Ryan Poles made his first big move as Bears general manager. According to several reports, he agreed to trade superstar pass rusher Khalil Mak to the Los Angeles Chargers. In return, the Bears will receive a second-round and sixth-round pick.
Mack has been the Bears’ most powerful defensive player since 2018, when Ryan Pace traded two first-round picks, a third, and a sixth to move to Chicago. In four seasons with the Bears, Mack amassed 36 sacks, 14 forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries. In 2021, he started fast with six sacks in seven games, but a leg injury cut his season short.
The Bears can’t replace what Mac brings to the team with those two picks, but by trading him now, the Poles have made a game for the team’s long-term development. This is our first indication that the Poles may not believe the Bears are close to a Super Bowl challenge. If he did, he would probably hold on to the superstar edge rusher. Looking at a comeback, a second round this year and a sixth round next year certainly isn’t a big deal, especially considering Von Miller brought the Broncos second and third place as a loan player. But since Mack is 31 years old, the Poles might think that the Bears won’t be ready to compete until Mack is over the mountain. If he thinks Mac’s value will only go down from now on, obviously this was the best moment for him to make a move.
According to OverTheCap, the Bears will have $24 million in dead money this year for trading the Mac, as well as freeing up $6 million in salary caps.
Mack was named to the All-Pro First Team three times and made the Pro Bowl six times. He also won Defensive Player of the Year in 2016.
Now the Bears will turn to Robert Quinn, Mario Edwards and Travis Gipson to build quarterback pressure.
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