Would the Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack defensive talents be traded by the Los Angeles Chargers?
The Chargers are open to dealing a number of veteran players, including Mack and Bosa, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Teams want to wait to see if the Chargers cut either guy before they make a move, even though they are interested.
The Chargers are open to trade offers for many veteran players including Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, per sources. There are teams interested but many around the league are willing to wait to see if the Chargers cut them soon.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 9, 2024
Despite the talent of both Mack and Bosa as defenders, the Chargers' cap problems might be resolved by dealing them. The Chargers' cap is presently largely made up of Mack and Bosa, who both receive $38.52 million and $36.61 million, respectively.
The Chargers are currently over $19 million over the cap. Though they did free up some space recently (saving $6.5 million by waiving Eric Kendricks), the Chargers are still above the cap.
Mack was the player who would probably have the biggest impact of the two. Mack had a career comeback in 2023, having played with the Chargers for the previous two seasons.
With seventeen sacks, Mack was fourth in the NFL—the highest total of the former Defensive Player of the Year's career. In addition, he committed five forced fumbles. His performance against the Las Vegas Raiders was particularly impressive, as he recorded six sacks and two forced fumbles.
Bosa, meanwhile, was selected third overall in 2016 and has been a member of the Chargers for the entirety of his career. Bosa has been plagued by injuries even though he has played in four Pro Bowls and won Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Bosa's foot sprain caused him to go on injured reserve during the second half of the previous season.
The Chargers may or may not decide to deal either player. If the deal goes through, it would be a sad development nevertheless and would allow the squad to add some more reasonably priced and younger defenders.