• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, June 18, 2025

With Khalil Mack Addition, Chargers Could Be Real Contender

  • Elite edge-rusher bolsters area of need when facing AFC West quarterbacks.
  • Veteran had six sacks in seven games with Bears last season.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports/Design: John Regula

Khalil Mack is back in the AFC West — and the Chargers just took a big step toward contender status.

On Thursday, L.A. agreed to acquire the elite edge-rusher from the Bears in exchange for a 2022 second-round pick and a sixth-rounder in 2023, according to multiple reports. 

The six-time Pro Bowler will join Joey Bosa to address the team’s biggest weakness — and form a defensive line capable of containing Russell Wilson, Patrick Mahomes, and Derek Carr.

  • L.A. was T-29 in points allowed (27.0), 23rd in yards (360.1), and 20th in sacks (35).
  • In 2021, Mack recorded six sacks in seven games due to injuries; in 53 games with Chicago, he had 36 sacks, 35 TFL, 52 QB hits, and 14 FF.
  • The Chargers will take on the remaining three years of the six-year, $141 million extension Mack signed with Chicago.
  • They still have $24.3M in cap space (No. 13 in NFL) despite Mack’s $17.8M hit in 2022 this season.

Their moves this week are reminiscent of the Super Bowl champion Rams, who paired Odell Beckham Jr. with Cooper Kupp and stacked their defense with Aaron Donald and Von Miller.

On Tuesday, L.A. extended WR Mike Williams (three years, $60M), keeping him alongside Keenan Allen for blossoming superstar Justin Herbert.

The Chargers haven’t reached the postseason since 2018, but oddsmakers are getting on board: They have the eighth-best odds to win the Super Bowl (+2000*).

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Noah Lyles

Tyreek Hill–Noah Lyles Race Is Off for ‘Personal Reasons’

Lyles and Hill agreed to a race in February with few concrete details.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome.

Former Chiefs Employee Sues for Racial Discrimination

Ramzee Robinson says the Chiefs paid Black employees less than white ones.

Rolapp Weighs In on PGA Tour–LIV Golf Talks, NFL After Goodell

Brian Rolapp is becoming CEO as commissioner Jay Monahan steps down.

Streaming Tops Linear for First Time, Sports Still Key to TV’s Resilience

Streaming hits another critical milestone in an accelerating media transition.

Featured Today

Dec 5, 2024; Miami, FL, USA; FIFA president Gianni Infantino presents the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the Club Word Cup draw at Telemundo Studios.

Revamped Club World Cup Is FIFA’s Billion-Dollar Gamble

The revamped soccer event debuts amid controversy.
Jun 10, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino stands during the anthem against the Switzerland during the first at Geodis Park
June 14, 2025

Gold Cup Is Complicated for USMNT—but U.S. Soccer Has Its Eyes on..

Uncertain tournament success isn’t fazing forward-looking U.S. soccer.
Jan 24, 2017; Davidson, NC, USA; The Davidson Wildcats student section cheers during the first half against the Duquesne Dukes at McKillop Court at John M. Belk Arena. Davidson defeated Duquesne 74-60.
June 6, 2025

Every College Wants a Flashy Basketball GM Hire Right Now

The role is more important than ever, and the definition is ever-evolving.
August 31, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; The Goodyear blimp flies over Ohio Stadium during the first half of Saturday’s NCAA Division I football game between the Akron Zips and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
June 6, 2025

Why the Goodyear Blimp Is at Every Major Sports Event

The airship wasn’t built to cover sports. Now it’s a regular presence.

Panthers Repeat as Stanley Cup Champs, Buoyed by Bold Deadline Move

The second consecutive Cup helps cement the South as a hockey stronghold.
June 16, 2025

Devers Deal Gives Giants Star Hitter After Free-Agency Rejections

The Devers deal shows a heightened aggressiveness from a former league power.
Jun 7, 2025; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; Kansas City Current forward Flora Marta Lacho (30) passes the ball as NJ/NY Gotham FC midfielder Jaelin Howell (7) defends during the second half at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
June 16, 2025

Gotham FC Owner Wants to Apply Peloton Instructor Model to NWSL Players

“We need to inject our Gotham stars into New York culture.”
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Ted Leonsis unpacks basketball’s global rise, media rights, and portfolio ownership.
June 16, 2025

Ohtani’s Return to Pitching Brightens Spotlight on MLB’s Biggest Star

The Dodgers superstar is back to pitching, several weeks ahead of schedule.
June 15, 2025

Red Sox Trade Rafael Devers to Giants in Shocker

Devers just signed a 10-year, $313.5 million extension in 2023.
June 13, 2025

Thunder Win Sets Up First 6-Game NBA Finals in 4 Years

It will be the first Finals series of at least six games since 2022.
June 13, 2025

Liverpool Sets Transfer Fee Record With $157M Florian Wirtz Deal

The Premier League champion makes a record outlay for a German midfielder.