Following a disappointing 5-12 season, the Los Angeles Chargers made significant changes in their leadership. General manager Tom Telesco and head coach Brandon Staley were let go. In their place, Joe Hortiz was appointed as the new general manager, while Jim Harbaugh took over the reins as head coach.
With a new leadership team in place, the Chargers are eager to turn the page and embark on a new era of success. Recent reports indicate that the team is looking to shake up their roster, potentially parting ways with Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.
Chargers to trade veteran duo Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack
The Chargers have reportedly opened the door to trade offers for star edge rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, among other veterans, as they have to deal with salary cap challenges. According to DM Russini of The Athletic, the Chargers are exploring options to become cap compliant before the new league year begins on Wednesday.
The team is currently sitting $20.6 million over the cap. Bosa and Mack carry the highest salary cap hits on the team, standing at $36.6 million and $38.5 million, respectively.
For Bosa, the stakes are high as he faces a pivotal moment in his career. Set to earn a base salary of $15 million in 2024, Bosa also stands to cash in on a $7 million roster bonus if he remains with the team by March 15, per SI.com. His recent injury history raises questions about his long-term durability and impact on the field. Nevertheless, he is still under a lucrative five-year, $135 million deal that runs through 2025.
Meanwhile, Mack’s future with the Chargers hangs in the balance as well. With a base salary of $17.55 million and a $5.5 million roster bonus due on March 15, Mack faces a crucial offseason as he approaches unrestricted free agency after the upcoming season.
Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack’s performance last season
Joey Bosa has been a cornerstone of the team’s defense since being selected as the third overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. In the most recent campaign, he tallied 20 tackles, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
Over the course of his tenure, the defensive star has showcased his versatility and skillset, amassing an impressive 321 tackles, 67 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, and four recoveries in 93 games played.
Another trade candidate Khalil Mack’s arrival in Los Angeles has proven to be a game-changer for the team. He has seamlessly integrated into the Chargers’ defensive scheme after being acquired from the Chicago Bears in 2022.
During the previous season, the former Bears player recorded 74 combined tackles and 17 sacks. Since donning the Chargers’ colors, Mack has been a model of consistency, appearing in every game and delivering stellar performances week in and week out. The 33-year-old continues to defy age expectations, tallying 124 tackles and 25 sacks in just 34 games played for Los Angeles.
The Chargers’ willingness to entertain trade offers has caught the attention of other teams, but there’s a strategic hesitation among potential suitors. Some teams may wait to see if the Chargers opt to release these high-profile players, making them available in the free-agent market.
