If the Los Angeles Chargers endure a losing 2025 season, they could trade veteran linebacker Khalil Mack to the Detroit Lions before the playoffs. Alex Kay of Bleacher Report put together seven shocking trades that may shape the postseason, and they believe that Mack might join another contender if the Chargers don’t make it to the playoffs. It’s easy to see why Mack would be open to joining a new roster as he’s entering the twilight of his career after having an illustrious tenure across several teams as a reliable defensive pass rusher. Originally selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the former Buffalo product did admit he was looking at other teams to sign with before eventually working out a new deal to stay with the Chargers for at least one more season.
Even though Mack was mulling over retirement, he would have probably joined another team like a contender. He has yet to win his first playoff game in his career, and even though the Chargers are improving, it will be his first season in Los Angeles without Joey Bosa on the opposite end of the pass rush. After losing Poona Ford and Morgan Fox this offseason, the Chargers defense will look dramatically different, and the organization has yet to add another capable replacement or superstar that can strengthen this roster. The defense may struggle, and if that happens, Mack may request a trade if the team winds up having a losing season.
Detroit won’t be the only option he can go to. There will be plenty of teams that might offer a deal that the Chargers won’t be able to turn down, and these three teams may pursue Mack.
Chargers, Lions Connected in Blockbuster Khalil Mack Trade – 3 Other Logical Destinations
Possible Fits
Washington Commanders
Following a dominant 2024 campaign, the Washington Commanders are in the best position to win a Super Bowl. Quarterback Jayden Daniels will continue to be equipped with the best talent, especially after the trade for wide receiver Deebo Samuel and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil. However, the same can’t be said about their defense since it still has a lot of question marks. The Commanders can’t get to the next level if they can’t lean on the defense to make plays to give Daniels more opportunities on the field.
Even though they re-signed Bobby Wagner to another one-year deal, he won’t be able to make plays this season single-handedly. Frankie Luvu is the only other reliable linebacker for this unit who can put the Commanders in a good spot in getting after the quarterback. The presence of Mack would change the course of Washington temporarily, but it might be enough for a possible Super Bowl appearance.
Chicago Bears
Meanwhile, no one should rule out a possible reunion before Mack retires. The Chicago Bears have repaired their entire defensive line this offseason, acquiring Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett. This wasn’t the only change, as the Bears got a few playmakers in the draft and free agent acquisitions for the offensive line to put quarterback Caleb Williams in a good spot. If the Chargers aren’t contenders this upcoming year, they should do him a favor and end his career to possibly join the Bears and maybe win a playoff game for the first time.
Baltimore Ravens
Don’t expect the Chargers to trade Mack to an AFC team, but it’s hard to ignore the fit he has with the Ravens. Between Trenton Simpson, Roquan Smith, Odafe Oweh and Kyle Van Noy, they are just one explosive pass-rusher away from a well-built defensive championship roster. Mack is easily the upgrade over Simpson since he had one of the worst years last season, so this might put Baltimore back in the Super Bowl.
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