The Chicago Bears need to make a bold move now. Khalil Mack wants to come back, and the timing makes perfect sense for both sides. ESPN’s Adam Schefter listed Mack among players potentially available for trade before the deadline. The edge rusher is in the last year of his deal with a team that is struggling hard. Why let him walk away for nothing when he still has gas in the tank?
Mack Knows What Works
Mack didn’t hide his feelings about his time in Chicago. Describing the 2022 move to the Los Angeles Chargers as “bittersweet” once it occurred, he spoke recently. Reflecting on his Chicago tenure, he clearly cherishes it, particularly the first year when the Bears reached the playoffs following a 12-4 regular season but were stopped by the “double doink”. Last month on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, Mack stated that reflecting on his time with the Bears reveals the significance of those moments. That connection matters. He knows the system, and he knows the fans care deeply about defense.
The current situation in Los Angeles is bleak. The Chargers are 0-4 and going nowhere fast. Schefter noted that the “Last year of his contract on a team that is not winning” creates a perfect storm for a change. He added, “The Chargers need to turn it around to keep him. If not, they’ll be getting calls about his availability.” Chicago should be the first team making those calls. A player of his caliber doesn’t come around often, especially one who actually wants to wear the uniform.
Don’t Rest on Laurels
Some might argue the pass rush is fine right now. Given the uncertainty surrounding edge rusher, we admittedly expected the Bears’ pass rush to fail completely this season. Though the Bears’ pass-rush is not elite, Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo and Austin Booker have all performed well, exceeding expectations. But “better” isn’t good enough for a contender. After four contests, the Bears appear to be a genuine contender, yet they must avoid complacency since such a critical position remains available.
Mack would be the final piece to make this defense scary. The team just beat the Jets 23-12, but the road gets tougher. Tyson Bagent played well in his first start since 2023, completing 25 of 34 passes for 268 yards against a tough opponent. Yet, offense needs a defense that can shut down elite quarterbacks. Mack brings that level of intensity. He isn’t just a name; he’s a proven winner who remembers the thrill of a Chicago playoff run. The front office must act before the window slams shut.
The Chargers have no reason to keep a star who wants out. Mack identified as a trade candidate, and the logic is sound. He is in his final year, and the team is losing. The Bears have the capital and the need. This isn’t a gamble; it’s a logical step to secure a championship window. Mack said, “That (2018) defense we had was very special… Just having everybody all at once, at the same time, playing at the level we were playing at, and having those creative minds behind us — it was a special time.” Bring that special time back. The fans are ready, and the roster is waiting.
