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Lions Trade Scenario Sends 9-Time Pro Bowl Pass Rusher to Detroit in Bold Proposal
Veteran pass rusher for the Los Angeles Chargers has earned nine Pro Bowl selections over 11 years, but despite five playoff starts, Khalil Mack is still chasing his first postseason win.
Alex Kay of Bleacher Report compiled a list of seven bold trade ideas that “could shift playoff races” in the upcoming NFL season, one of which sees the Detroit Lions making a splash by acquiring Mack.
“If the Chargers stumble out of the gate this season, it wouldn’t be shocking to see them move veteran difference-makers who might influence another team’s playoff push,” Kay wrote on June 11.
“Mack is a high-cost veteran nearing the end of his career, but he still has the ability to contribute. He’s been selected to the Pro Bowl the past three years, including 2023 when he posted a personal best of 17 sacks.”
“If L.A. is looking at a wasted season, sending him to a playoff contender in need of pass-rushing help could be wise,” Kay continued. “The Lions could be a great match. They’re seeking another edge presence to ease pressure on Aidan Hutchinson, and Mack might be the guy to wreak havoc on opposing offenses.”
Detroit fans are quite familiar with Mack from his NFC North stint with the Chicago Bears between 2018 and 2021. In 53 games for Chicago, he logged 36.0 sacks, 121 solo tackles, 14 forced fumbles, six recoveries, and two interceptions.
After being traded to the Chargers in 2022, Mack has tallied 31.0 sacks, nine forced fumbles, 21 passes defended, and three fumble recoveries over three seasons—earning Pro Bowl honors every year. While his 2024 output dipped (6.0 sacks, 6 TFLs on 617 snaps), his veteran leadership remains elite.
Mack re-signed with L.A. on a one-year, fully guaranteed $18 million contract for 2025. Should Detroit pursue him, they’d be on the hook for most of that salary.
“Absorbing Mack’s $18 million cap hit won’t be simple, but Detroit’s front office would be wise to find a solution to make it work,” Kay said. “The Chargers would also gain by freeing up $8 million in cap space, despite incurring $10 million in dead money.”
Though he’s not at his peak, Mack would bring valuable experience, prep habits, and leadership to Detroit’s defense. At 34, he’s not a long-term piece, but he aligns with the Lions’ current win-now mentality.
Given Mack’s desire to finally win in the playoffs, Detroit—coming off back-to-back postseason appearances—would be an ideal landing spot. He’d boost the pass rush, demand attention from blockers, and help ease the load on Hutchinson.
Kay is right — a Mack-to-Detroit deal would certainly shake things up in the playoff race. It’s a stretch, but one that’s intriguing to imagine.