Even if Mike Williams Leaves, Jim Harbaugh Still Faces $9M Conundrum to Satisfy Cap Space Issues

It is 24 hours till the Chargers’ next move is out. The grip that the salary cap had on the Chargers is in its conclusive stage and it’s not being kind to Harbaugh. The salary overdue contracts of the best of the 4 Chargers players: Joey Bosa, Keenan Allen, Khalil Mack, and Mike Williams were the biggest crises looming over Harbaugh and Co. for the past month. Though they have almost finalized their game plan for tomorrow, they still have a massive loophole to address. A $9 million loophole!

ESPN Jeremy Fowler agrees that Mike Williams is the most likely cap casualty in the Chargers, mainly because of his bleak future with the franchise. The 6-foot-4 wideout tore his ACL just 3 games into the last season, rendering him not-so-resourceful for the season. The Chargers could free up to $17 million in their cap space by releasing Williams ahead of the 1 p.m. PT deadline. Even after that, they would have another additional $9 million to process for Alohi Gilman, Will Dissly, and Gus Edwards contracts.

So what will Jim Harbaugh do for this? Keenan Allen’s future is almost secure at the Chargers, per Fowler. Fowler left Indianapolis following the NFL Scouting Combine week “optimistic” that Allen would return to the team, so a possible contract restructure could be the way out for both parties. This leaves the two: Joey Bosa’s and Khalil Mack’s situations unanswered till tomorrow, heightening fans’ anticipation to an almost all-time high. On one hand, Bosa has two years left on his contract with the Chargers, making it an additional front-desk benefit for him, a department in which Mack isn’t too lucky.

The Chargers are well aware of Mack’s abilities and are likely to throw a trade for him. The returns won’t be too high, but the Chargers would arrange the $9 million they need since trading Mack would free up around $10 million in Chargers cap space. Especially when Mack has the 49ers on their heels.

49ers to try their shot at Khalil Mack again?

It is no secret that the 49ers have long-admired Mack. They tried to trade him in 2018 by seemingly making the best offer they could but his then-team Raiders traded him to Bears instead. With his record of 17 sacks during the last season, the 49ers will put a good amount of effort in trying to secure the 33-year-old, which will in turn aid them to continue their dominance as the best team in the NFC.

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

Mack would make the perfect fit for the 49ers considering their current requirement for an effective passer opposite Nick Bosa. But the 49ers could also wait for Harbaugh to release Mack, instead of trading him. Whatever it boils down to, will be revealed tomorrow once Harbaugh releases his decision. If Harbaugh decides to keep Mack, the 49ers would once again have to pump the brakes on their chase of Khalil Mack. However, if Harbaugh wants to trade him, it will be a golden opportunity for the Niners. What do you think will happen tomorrow?

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