Chargers Rumors: Jim Harbaugh Reportedly Interested in Trading Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack for Draft Picks

The Los Angeles Chargers are aiming for a winning season in 2024 with their star quarterback, Justin Herbert, and new head coach Jim Harbaugh. But their defense might look completely different. According to a new report, the Chargers are open to trading veterans, especially star pass rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.

Both players have big contracts—Mack’s is ending in 2024, and Bosa’s with two years left. With a new coach in town, the Chargers have a tough decision to make about Bosa and Mack’s future with the team. The squad will either be open to retaining these expensive players or reshaping their defense under new coach Harbaugh.

Harbaugh’s team is likely to trade Bosa and Mack

All these rumors started based on a report by Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Her recent X post states, “The Chargers are open to trade offers for many veteran players including Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, per sources. There are teams interested but many around the league are willing to wait to see if the Chargers cut them soon.” This news is a surprise, especially for Bosa, the young star with a recent injury history. While both players carry hefty contracts, their on-field performance paints a different picture.

Bosa, despite missing games, remains a force. The 28-year-old is a four-time Pro Bowler with a knack for getting to the quarterback. Khalil Mack, on the other hand, has defied expectations at 33. He’s been healthy the past two seasons, putting up a career-high 17 sacks in 2023. The question for the Chargers is this: swallow the high cost of these veterans or reshape their defense under Harbaugh?

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Unveiling the impact of this rumored NFL trade

Joey Bosa has played with the Chargers for eight years and remains a force to be reckoned with, tallying 6.5 sacks in just nine games during the 2023 season. He is all set to earn an incredible $15 million base salary next year, with an additional $7 million roster bonus if he remains a Charger by March 15. His hefty five-year, $135 million contract runs through 2025. Khalil Mack presents a different situation on the other side of the defensive line. Unlike Bosa, the former Defensive Player of the Year and five-time All-Pro joined the Chargers in 2022 and has enjoyed two seasons of clean health. The Chargers even rewarded his compelling performance with a $17.55 million base salary for 2024 and a $5.5 million roster bonus due on March 15. However, unlike Bosa, Mack becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season.

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Therefore, the financial implications of these trades are significant, but so is the potential impact on the field. Both Bosa and Mack are proven game-changers, and letting them go could leave a substantial hole in the pass rush. Thus, the Chargers have a tough call to make, and their decision will be a major storyline as the NFL offseason unfolds. In the comments below, let us know your thoughts on the rumored NFL trade.