5 Chargers Whose Time in L.A. Will End After the Wild Card Round Loss

5. Khalil Mack - LB

This one would hurt. Khalil Mack is still one of the NFL's premier defensive players and just had 17 sacks in 2023. That said, he's down to six this year and turns 34 in February. His cap hit was north of $25 million and at his age, it's hard to pay that much for what's likely to be declining production.

Mack still grades as the fifth-best at his position out of 211 at Pro Football Focus. He earned a Pro Bowl nomination, his ninth, and is one of the most accomplished players of his generation. In order for the Chargers to build out a more complete roster though, they need to find areas to make tough decision.

Not re-signing Mack would generate a lot of cap space, helping the team continue to build for the future.

This is much less about Mack's current level of production and more about what his salary demands are likely to be. There's an inherent opportunity cost when you pay Mack what he's worth, and there are too many areas on the roster that need to be addressed when you consider the potential downside.

Spreading that money around instead of investing on a 34-year-old defender, no matter how good he might be, is smart business. Harbaugh values depth and that money will be better spent elsewhere.

Mack has enjoyed a tremendous tenure in Los Angeles, but he'll be finishing his career with anther franchise.

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