3 Worst Chargers Contracts to Overcome This Offseason

The Los Angeles Chargers have Jim Harbaugh now in charge as they roll into a new era. Justin Herbert is the franchise quarterback but there are holes spread out on the roster. Per Spotrac, the Chargers are over the cap by $33 million. General manager Joe Hortiz and Harbaugh have their work cut out for them.

There are a few players who have massive cap hits in 2024. Los Angeles needs to take a hard look at finding a resolution with these deals. We'll discuss some of the worst contracts for the Chargers this offseason.

1. Khalil Mack, LB

Linebacker Khalil Mack heads into the final year of his six-year, $141 million contract that he signed in 2018. The University at Buffalo product has been a premier pass rusher since entering the league in 2014. Mack has the power and speed to consistently get around the edge and create pressure on the quarterback.

Last season, the soon-to-be 33-year-old (birthday on Feb. 22) was fourth in the NFL in sacks (17) with 74 total tackles and five forced fumbles. Mack was an absolute menace for opposing offenses to deal with.

Despite his production, Mack is scheduled to have a $38.5 million cap hit in 2024. That is a massive number. If they decided to release Mack, Los Angeles would save $23.3 million in cap space. They would still get slapped with a $15.2 million dead cap hit. Freeing up that kind of money will do wonders for Harbaugh as he looks to revamp this roster.