• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 4, 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

Commanders’ $3.8B Stadium Deal in Jeopardy? Mayor Sounds the Alarm

Political tensions rise about delays in stadium funding approval.
exclusive

ESPN, Fox Reluctant to Share Talent With Netflix for Christmas NFL Games

ESPN talents who worked last year’s games include Laura Rutledge and Mina Kimes.

$600M for Browns Stadium Sparks Cleveland Backlash, Possible Lawsuit

The awarding of public funds draws criticism and could bring a lawsuit.
Jun 10, 2025; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) drops back to pass during minicamp at their South Side facility.
opinion

Steelers Win-Now Mode Is Good News for NFL Media Partners

The conservative “Steeler Way” has finally adapted—and media partners are happy.

Featured Today

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.

Rogers Takes Control of Canada’s Top Teams in MLSE Buyout

The Canadian media giant now has an arguably unrivaled sports portfolio.
Manchester City
July 1, 2025

Manchester City Pockets $50 Million for Early Club World Cup Elimination

Saudi side Al-Hilal will bank at least $35 million in its quarterfinal run.
Myles Turner
July 1, 2025

Pacers Sour on Paying Luxury Tax and Let Myles Turner Walk

The team had seemed willing to cross the threshold for their center.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
July 1, 2025

Bucks Shock NBA World By Waiving Lillard’s $113M Deal, Signing Turner

Damian Lillard had two years left on his deal.
Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena
July 1, 2025

Panthers Lock Up Stanley Cup–Winning Core With Long-Term Deals

Hours before free agency, Florida cemented terms with their essential players.
June 30, 2025

Nuggets, Rockets Make Aggressive Moves to Challenge Thunder

Denver took the Thunder to seven games in the conference semifinals.
June 30, 2025

Cohen’s $331M Mets Spiral Into June Swoon Despite Soto Surge

Frustrations rise as the high-spending Mets have lost 13 of 16 games.