Outside of Leonard Floyd, the Chicago Bears don’t have another premier pass rusher. In fact, they don’t even have another fairly decent pass rusher at outside linebacker. Enter Khalil Mack.
Mack has been in a holdout with the Oakland Raiders for quite some time now. The longer Mack holds out, the more realistic a trade is. The problem is Mack’s contract. While waiting for Aaron Donald to sign his mega deal with the Los Angeles Rams, this could set a realistic market price for Mack. Regardless of what team Mack plays for in 2018, he is going to get a mega deal that could make him the highest paid defensive player in NFL history.
So what is a realistic trade offer for the former defensive player of the year? It will probably take something along the lines of two first round picks and an additional second or third round pick. Is that worth it for a team like the Chicago Bears? Absolutely. The team already has a top ten defense, adding a generational talent in Mack would bring this team to new heights. Assuming the offensive side of the ball has its turnaround from last season, this could push this team to another level.
According to NFL Network, Khalil Mack could be looking for a contract in the range of $65 million + in guaranteed money.
Per @Wyche89, Khalil Mack is expecting to receive $65 million guaranteed in his new contract 😳
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 10, 2018
📺: #UpToTheMinute https://t.co/CPoPOgVTh1
While that is a lot of money, how often is an elite talent of this caliber available? The Chicago Bears will have the cap space, it’s just a matter if they think they’re in the right position to make the move. Meaning is the team ready to succeed or would they be wasting money when they aren’t going to be winning games.
The problem is that the NFC North is stacked with talent. Ranging from the Vikings, Lions and the Packers. Aaron Rodgers is a bad man, and he can beat you himself. The Bears aren’t going to beat Green Bay if they can’t get pressure on one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. Mack has 36 sacks over the last three seasons, pressuring the quarterback wouldn’t be a problem. Lining him up along side Leonard Floyd could end up being a deadly duo for opposing offenses.
GM Ryan Pace has shown he isn’t afraid to make moves, and this is one move that fans would get behind. While the asking price is high, the reward is worth it. If Mack is made available, the Chicago Bears shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger.