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NFL Insider Links Chargers’ Khalil Mack to Two NFC Contenders on Trade Market
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- NFL Insider Links Chargers’ Khalil Mack to Two NFC Contenders on Trade Market
The trade market started to heat up on Tuesday as the Indianapolis Colts made two significant trades. They sent guard Quenton Nelson to the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, and they also shipped veteran defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers.
With two weeks to go before the NFL's Nov. 10 trade deadline, many expect the Los Angeles Chargers to make at least one trade, and the one player they're most likely to trade seems to be edge rusher Khalil Mack. At age 35, Mack is still productive, and he could put one of several teams over the top this season.
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It would make the most sense for Mack to be sent to a legitimate contender right now, especially considering that he has yet to win a playoff game in six attempts.
Two contenders are reportedly in the running for Mack, according to one insider.
Where could Mack find himself?
Insider Jordan Schultz said that the 49ers and the Chicago Bears have been connected to several players, including Mack. The Niners are 6-1, and the Bears are 5-2, and both teams could use a boost on defense.
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Chicago's defense, at times, has been very strong, but it doesn't have a threat on the edges like Mack. Even though it defeated the New England Patriots 30-24 last Thursday, it allowed Patriots quarterback Drake Maye to complete 24 of 31 passing attempts for 321 yards.
The Niners have upgraded their pass rush by acquiring Buckner, but it could be argued that they need another pass-rushing threat on the edge opposite Nick Bosa. Most feel they're a more viable Super Bowl contender than Chicago, and Mack could make the Niners truly scary on that side of the football.
Through six games this season, Mack has posted three sacks, six quarterback hits, five tackles for loss and 19 total tackles (11 solo). He seriously contemplated retirement this past offseason, but he decided to stay on the field by signing a one-year, $18 million contract with the Chargers.
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The Chargers are 0-6 and are expected to be big sellers ahead of the trade deadline. This is the time for them to stockpile draft picks by jettisoning Mack and perhaps a couple of their other viable veterans.
More on the Los Angeles Chargers
This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
