Lions Could Make Surprise Move For Chargers Star

One of the Lions’ top priorities this offseason is bolstering their defense. Injuries to their starting unit left them exposed, but trading for Khalil Mack from the Chargers could provide a solution.

Even after losing star EDGE rusher Aidan Hutchinson in Week 6, the Lions’ defense performed impressively in the following games. Much of the credit goes to Aaron Glenn and Brad Holmes’ next-man-up approach, which identified players who stepped up to fill the void.

Lions Next-Man-Up Strategy

As injuries mounted, the Lions’ defense started to show weaknesses. A high number of ongoing injuries to key starters left the unit exposed, allowing significant yardage. However, they remained resilient in the red zone, often preventing opponents from scoring. But their “bend but don’t break” strategy ultimately faltered against the league’s top offenses, struggling to contain the Buffalo Bills and Washington Commanders.

To take the next step, the Lions need to stop offensive threats before they reach the red zone—ideally at the line of scrimmage. However, without Hutchinson in the lineup, they struggled to do so.

Lions Hutchinson An Elite Talent

Adding elite talent like Za’Darius Smith could make him the perfect partner for Hutchinson. However, the Lions have yet to see the duo in action together. The main concern remains—if one gets injured, the defense is once again exposed. To truly solidify their unit, the Lions need another top-tier defender alongside Smith.

Why the Draft Might Not Be the Answer For the Lions

Although this year’s draft offers plenty of promising EDGE prospects, rookies often need time to adjust to the demands of the NFL. Even the most highly touted draft picks can face a learning curve before making a significant impact.

Bringing in a premier veteran who can make an immediate impact is ideal, but veteran free agents come at a price. The Lions have around $51 million in cap space this year, but that figure is shrinking due to contract extensions for key players. Retaining foundational pieces like Hutchinson, Kerby Joseph, and Alex Anzalone remains a top priority.

Why Khalil Mack Could Be The Answer for the Lions

Still, acquiring a premier talent like Khalil Mack could be a game-changer. Selected fifth overall in the 2014 draft by the Oakland Raiders, Mack is an elite NFL defender. A versatile and superior athlete, he excels at both EDGE and outside linebacker at a Pro Bowl level, making him a perfect fit for Kelvin Sheppard’s defense.

Mack burst onto the scene as the Defensive Rookie of the Year, making an immediate impact with the Raiders. His sophomore season was just as dominant, racking up 77 tackles (57 solo), 15 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pass defenses. In 2016, he earned the prestigious Butkus Award and was named Defensive Player of the Year, tallying 73 tackles (54 solo), 11 sacks, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and three pass defenses. That season, he also recorded a pick-six, showcasing his all-around defensive prowess.

In 2017, Mack continued his dominance with 78 tackles (61 solo), 10.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and three pass deflections. His exceptional performance earned him the No. 5 spot on the NFL’s Top 100 Players list, making him the highest-rated defensive lineman that year.

Mack Makes His Mark With the Bears

However, the following year, tensions with the Raiders led to a preseason contract holdout. After three consecutive Pro Bowl seasons, Mack was traded to the Chicago Bears in September 2018. He then became the highest-paid defensive lineman in NFL history, signing a six-year, $141 million contract with $90 million guaranteed. With a fresh start in the Windy City, Mack was poised to make a significant impact.

In his debut season with the Bears in 2018, Mack played a pivotal role in securing the NFC North title for Chicago. His dominance earned him a second-place finish in the Defensive Player of the Year race and a spot in his fourth Pro Bowl. He was ranked third on the NFL Top 100 Players list by his peers and received his second Butkus Award, further cementing his status as one of the league’s elite defenders.

Mack continued to excel with the Bears, earning Pro Bowl selections in both 2019 and 2020. However, in Week 3 of the 2021 season, he suffered an unspecified foot injury. Despite missing practice sessions, he played through the pain for four more weeks, maintaining his elite performance with six sacks in the first six games. However, by Week 7, the Bears placed him on injured reserve, announcing that he would undergo season-ending surgery.

Mack Traded To The Chargers

In March 2022, the Bears traded Mack to the Chargers. In his first season with Los Angeles, he posted 50 tackles, eight sacks, two forced fumbles, two pass defenses, and two fumble recoveries. Mack reached a major milestone in his second year, recording his 100th career sack. He finished the season with a career-high 17 sacks, 74 tackles, 10 pass defenses, and five forced fumbles, reaffirming his status as a dominant defensive force.

Mack earned his seventh Pro Bowl selection in 2024, showcasing his continued dominance with 39 tackles, six sacks, nine pass defenses, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.

Obstacles to Lions Acquisition of Mack 

The L.A. Chargers recently released five-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Joey Bosa after nine seasons, which suggests they intend to retain Mack as their premier defensive player. It could also indicate a move to free up cap space for a new contract extension for him.

Acquiring Mack won’t come cheap for the Lions. If reports are accurate, he’s seeking a three-year extension worth around $70 million—a significant investment for a 34-year-old player. However, Mack isn’t just any player. His Pro Bowl performance last season proves that age hasn’t slowed him down. If the Lions can negotiate a trade, Mack could be the missing piece that propels them to a Super Bowl run.