Khalil Mack is entering the twilight of what has been an enormously successful NFL career.
The current Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher has made nine Pro Bowls in his 11 seasons, but with five playoff starts and no wins, Mack is desperate for that first playoff victory.
Alex Kay of Bleacher Report put together seven “shocking” trades that “would impact playoff races” this coming season, and he has the Detroit Lions landing Mack in a surprising move.
- Los Angeles Chargers receive: 2026 fifth-round pick
- Detroit Lions receive: Khalil Mack
“If the Los Angeles Chargers fall flat out of the gate this season, it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise to see them start selling off impact veterans who could affect the postseason race with their new team,” Kay wrote on June 11.
“Khalil Mack fits the bill as a pricy veteran in the twilight of his career who can still make key contributions. He’s earned Pro Bowl nods in each of the last three seasons—including in 2023 when he notched a career-high 17 sacks.”
A Look at Mack’s Career in Recent Years
GettyShould the Detroit Lions try to trade for edge rusher Khalil Mack?
“If the Bolts are staring down a lost season, dealing him to a contender desperate for a backfield disruptor could be the best option for both parties,” Kay added. “The Detroit Lions could be the perfect landing spot for Mack. The team needs to add some juice on the edge to take the heat off star sack artist Aidan Hutchinson, and Mack could be the ideal player to give opposing offenses fits.”
Lions fans remember Mack well from his time in the NFC North, when he played for the Chicago Bears from 2018-2021. Over 53 games in Chicago, he compiled 36.0 sacks, 121 solo tackles, 14 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and two interceptions.
The Bears traded him to the Chargers in 2022, and over three seasons with L.A., he accumulated 31.0 sacks, nine forced fumbles, 21 pass breakups and three fumble recoveries, earning Pro Bowl nods each of the past three years. Despite a dip in production in 2024 (he finished with 6.0 sacks and six tackles for loss across 617 snaps), his leadership and work ethic are as good as it gets.
More on Why Khalil Mack Could Be Sneaky Trade Option for the Detroit Lions
Mack signed a one-year, fully guaranteed $18 million deal to remain a Charger in 2025. If they were to trade for him, the Lions would have to pay most of it.
“It won’t be easy for the Lions to absorb Mack’s $18 million salary, but the front office would be remiss to not find a way to fit the star under the cap,” Kay noted. “L.A. would benefit financially as well, receiving $8 million in immediate cap relief in exchange for incurring $10 million in dead money.”
Mack’s no longer the player he once was, but Detroit’s defense would benefit from his preparation, study habits and veteran presence. At 34, Mack isn’t a long-term investment, but he fits a wing-it-to-win window for a team looking for another deep playoff run.
Considering Mack’s desire to win in the postseason, Detroit, fresh off playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024, would become a top destination. Mack’s presence would both strengthen the pass rush and potentially even draw a few double-teams, taking some of the pressure off Hutchinson.
Kay is correct — if Mack were to be traded to the Lions, it would certainly add some flavor to the playoff race. It’s a total long shot, but it’s a fun scenario to consider
