Khalil Mack or Joey Bosa? Jim Harbaugh & Co. Make Intentions Clear as the Chargers Face a Difficult Choice

The time has come when Joey Bosa might have to call off a 9-year-long relationship. The reason? His $36.6 million overdue contract with the Bolts. The cost is a tad too pricey for Jim Harbaugh and Co. since the contract is sliding them into the over-the-cap zone above their $45 million cap limit. And it’s not just one of them. Khalil Mack, the LB associated with the Chargers since 2022, is also hitting the cap with his due $38.5 million this year.

Facing a dilemma would be an understatement. It’s not just Harbaugh ripping off the more expensive bandaid, it’s also about each of these players wanting to stay at the Chargers. Joey Bosa admitted to being genuinely excited if he gets a chance to play with Harbaugh and the possibility is still there. The anticipation is growing stronger by the day. Dan Graziano reported that Harbaugh and Co. are leaning more toward Joey Bosa than Khalil Mack when it boils down to letting one of them go in the 2024 NFL draft market.

The only negative point that the front desk would need to reconsider? Bosa has 2-years left on his deal, making him an easier trade for them as compared to Mack, who joined just one season ago. The decision is a tough one, finances v. preferences. Jim Harbaugh and Co. will have to sacrifice one of the two options to reach a common ground.

It makes the equation easier for other teams. Other teams want Mack, whom the Chargers are ready to leave. But not so easily. All of them are ready to sit back, hands folded, waiting for Harbaugh to make an official announcement. The team would have to roll out a verdict soon. As of now, the team is open to offers for both guys. However, Joey Bosa’s injury-proneness is making them have second thoughts, as they predict Mack to be a better fit.

The attraction between Khalil Mack and the San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are hot on their heels chasing Khalil Mack. First, it was the rumors of the Niners being inclined towards Joey Bosa that gained popularity, mainly because of Joey Bosa’s brother, Nick Bosa, playing on the same team. The rumors stayed only rumors as Jose Louis Sanchez III of SI gave his honest opinion on the Niners considering Khalil Mack instead of Bosa.

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Along with Mack being able to stay comparatively much less injurious than Joey Bosa, the Niners could also benefit from his effective passing skills opposite Nick Bosa. The 32-year-old had a pretty successful season last year as he played every game and registered a whopping 17 sacks. Technically, the Chargers are in no position to trade or acquire Mack, or even Bosa for that matter, as it would give them a direct cap hit of $22 million, something that they can’t afford amidst their salary cap. Will the Niners wait for Jim Harbaugh to release either of the two? Will Harbaugh release either of the two? Share your thoughts in the comments!