Overview
- NFL reporter Ian Rapoport confirmed Thursday that the Chargers never came close to trading Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears.
- Head coach Jim Harbaugh publicly said he wanted Mack to remain in Los Angeles and called him a pillar of the team.
- Chicago’s Oct. 29 trade for Jeffery Simmons used up major draft capital, including 2027 and 2028 first-round picks, which left the Bears with limited assets to offer for Mack.
- Mack is 35, on a one-year fully guaranteed $18 million deal, and his recent production has been modest with three sacks in his first four games and none since, which lowered his market value.
- By standing pat during a winless stretch the Chargers gained short-term mentorship for young pass rushers but accepted the growing chance Mack walks in free agency or retires this offseason with no draft return.