‘All Hell Breaks Loose’ as Jim Harbaugh Threatens to Bring about Revolutionary Changes to Steady the Chargers’ Sinking Ship

Khalil Mack Or Joey Bosa? This is the next big debate in the Chargers world as head coach Jim Harbaugh tramples his way through his roster dilemma. Harbaugh is at a crossroads where he would have to rip either the $36.6 million or the $38.5 million players from his roster, given their $35 million already over-the-cap funds. Four of the veteran players’ salary contracts are maturing in 2024, and the team has to make the decision now! As the moment when Harbaugh makes the announcement nears, the world of inside reports is buzzing with new intel every hour.

Several reports surrounding Jim Harbaugh making the final move in the Bosa or Mack deal have taken over the world of analysts. Dan Graziano reported that Jim Harbaugh and Co. are reportedly more inclined toward keeping Joey Bosa over Khalil Mack. This, paired with the steady storm rising in the 49ers rumors world, about the team chasing Khalil Mack once the Chargers release him, has strengthened the rumors around Harbaugh releasing either Bosa or Mack.

Will it be ‘Bosa and Mack’ or ‘Bosa or Mack’?

The latest reports by 49ers Sports Talk believe that the franchise would release both of them if the situation arose. That situation would be a trade not being completed. Their other veteran players with overdue salary contracts, Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, are also on the Trade Block. Four of the best defensive linemen at the Chargers, all on the shortlist for being released, is nothing less than “All hell breaking loose,” per Shawne Merriman.

However, the front desk has some risks to evaluate before calling the shots. Both Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack are overdue salaries, so the interested teams would rather wait to acquire them through free agency rather than through trade, given their salary cap restrictions. So now, it’s all in the Chargers’ hands to free Mack and/or Bosa, whoever one they are planning on, as it would later affect the decisions of teams like the 49ers.

Joey Bosa v Khalil Mack: A comparison

Bosa’s association with the Chargers dates back to 2016, making him a painful goodbye for the team, another reason for the Chargers possibly avoiding trading Bosa. One other reason for it is the two years remaining on his 5-year, $135 million contract. If he was acquired in a trade without a restructure, his contract would create a $22 million cap hit in 2024 and a $23.36 million cap hit in 2025. Yet after the 2024 season concluded, the Niners could release Bosa without hitting any dead money.

READ ALSO: Despite $35M Obstacle, Jim Harbaugh & Co. Set to Take on NFL’s “Serious Suitors” to Sign RB Saquon Barkley

On the other hand, Mack has just one year remaining on his current contract, as opposed to Bosa’s two years. If he was acquired in a trade without a restructure, his contract would create a $23.25 million cap hit in 2024. Mack had a fabulous season, racking up 74 tackles and a career-high 17 sacks in 2023. The addition of Mack to the 49ers roster would add some effective passing skills to it, complementing Nick Bosa. However, Joey Bosa joining the 49ers roster would add to its marketability given the Bosa brothers playing together. Who do you think would make the better pair for the 49ers roster?