The Los Angeles Chargers are in the process of having two new leading pass rushers ahead of the 2024 season.
The collaboration of Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, who combined for 23.5 of the Chargers’ 48 sacks in 2023, is likely on the move, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
NFL Trade Rumors: Chargers Open to Offers for Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, Insider Says
“The Chargers are open to trade offers for many veteran players, including Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, per sources,” Russini posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
However, Russini adds that Bosa and Mack’s availability may come with a wait-and-see approach from other franchises regarding what LA plans to do with both.
“There are teams interested, but many around the league are willing to wait to see if the Chargers cut them soon,” Russini shared.
So far, the Chargers have had a relatively quiet offseason on the transaction front ahead of the NFL’s legal tampering period on Monday. Linebacker Eric Kendricks, once considered a prize 2023 free agent pickup, is the lone Charger on the cut tracker.
However, as the Bolts head to a new era led by head coach Jim Harbaugh, it was long speculated that both veteran pass rushers would be on the move.
How Bosa and Mack Help Clear Space for Chargers
One month ago, the Bolts were predicted to be $45 million over the salary cap by Chargers insider for The Athletic Daniel Popper.
Here’s the contract details for both defenders, starting with longtime Chargers EDGE Bosa:
- Bosa was signed to a five-year, $135 million deal.
- He was guaranteed $102 million through this contract, which was originally set to make him a free agent in 2026.
- Bosa, though, does carry a potential opt-out in his deal that goes into effect in 2024.
- He’s set to make $15 million in base salary for this season.
- Bosa has a cap hit of $36.6 million and also carries a dead cap number of more than $22.2 million.
Those numbers are for the pass rusher the Chargers once took No. 3 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. Mack, meanwhile, showed up to LA through a blockbuster 2022 offseason trade with the Chicago Bears. That deal eventually gave the Bears safety Jaquan Brisker in the second round of the 2022 draft.
At the time of the trade, Mack was originally set to enter the fifth year of the six-year deal he signed with the Bears in 2018. Here are Mack’s current financial numbers:
- More than $38.5 million cap hit
- $15.2 million dead cap hit
- $17.5 million 2024 base salary
- $5.5 million roster bonus
By moving on from their top two pass rushers of 2023, the Chargers will be on their path to financial breathing room for Harbaugh to work with. He can then turn his attention to potentially adding a pass rusher via April’s draft (PFN’s Adam Caplan projects Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner going to the Chargers at No. 5 in his mock draft).
KEEP READING: Chargers 2024 NFL Mock Draft
Or, perhaps Harbaugh will pursue free agency, as names like Danielle Hunter and Chase Young could become inexpensive options for him and LA.
Regardless, Bosa and Mack aren’t expected to be involved with the Harbaugh era. It’s just a matter of seeing if both will become a part of a massive trade deal or if they get released.
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