It is pretty safe to say the Chargers made a lot of positive moves in the 2021 season despite missing the playoffs. They narrowly missed the postseason in a very tricky situation to begin with, and had one of the better offenses in the NFL. A few days ago the Bolts re-signed Mike Williams to a 3yr/$60M deal to keep him in LA. Today they just made another move that suggests that the Chargers are pushing hard to be a Super Bowl contending team once again. Khalil Mack is coming to the Chargers.
What better gift to your franchise quarterback on his 24th birthday?
Adam Schefter reported that the Chargers and Bears had agreed to a trade this afternoon. The Bears received a ‘22 2nd round pick and a ‘23 6th round pick in return for Khalil Mack. The former 3rd overall pick is due a lil under $18M this season and $22M the next. A contract like that just wasn’t in the game plan for Chicago’s future.
Los Angeles already has players like Joey Bosa, Derwin James, and Asante Samuel Jr on defense. Now they bring in a six-time Pro Bowl edge rusher in Khalil Mack to play alongside Joey Bosa. They have a very promising offense with Justin Herbert under center. Depending on how well Brandon Staley can put all this together the future should be very bright in LA.
If the Chargers can hit on their 17th overall pick this draft, they could be ready for a deep playoff run next season. An offseason to have players like Kenneth Murray, Rashawn Slater and Asante Samuel Jr. become veterans in the NFL. They now have the pass rush to make Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson uncomfortable continuously when they face off.
The AFC West is now LOADED with talent. The division has completely been remodeled this offseason. We very well could see three teams make the playoffs out of this division now.
