The NFC North is shaping up to be a warzone this season. You can make a real case for each team having a shot at the division crown – yes, even the Bears, somehow – which isn’t something many divisions can boast. With Detroit’s, let’s say, uninspiring offseason, the division seems more open than it’s been in recent years.

That’s why the Lions have to strike. Not just any move, but a ruthless, soul-snatching move. There’s time later to stack wins – right now, it’s about psychological warfare. Bleacher Report gets it too, which is the only reason they’d float such a wicked, calculated trade idea. And what’s wild is, it actually makes football sense as well.

“Khalil Mack is exactly the kind of high-priced vet still capable of making impact plays. He’s made the Pro Bowl three years running – including a personal-best 17 sacks in 2023 – and the Chargers gave him a one-year, $18 million deal back in March … The Lions could be an ideal new home for Mack.

They need another edge threat to help lighten the load for Aidan Hutchinson, and Mack’s the kind of nightmare who can keep offenses off-balance … Injuries – with Hutchinson’s season-ending leg break leading the way – crushed Detroit’s Super Bowl hopes last season. Bringing in another elite pass rusher like Mack would be a perfect step toward another title shot.”

It just has to happen. I’m not here to break down the analytics – Mack’s career speaks volumes, and if you want to dive into stats on Football Reference or PFF, go wild.

What truly matters is the spite. Just picture Bears fans seeing Mack rocking Honolulu Blue. The first sack on Caleb Williams would send shockwaves. The next handful would be just as satisfying.

This needs to be real. Winning games is cool – but doing it with maximum pettiness? That’s real championship energy.