The Los Angeles Chargers will have to make a few tough decisions over the next few days as they are $21.1 million over the cap. It’s not a great position to be in as this Los Angeles squad has the talent to compete in the AFC West, but they might have to let some of it go.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported Sunday that the Chargers have had “exploratory trade talks” on Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Mike Williams, and Keenan Allen. Breer adds that Allen is the “least likely to be moved,” but the Chargers are listening on all of them.
The Chargers have had exploratory trade talks on OLBs Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack (as @DMRussini said), and WRs Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. Allen appears to be least likely to be moved, but they're listening on all of them.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 10, 2024
It all, of course, relates to their cap situation.
This latest piece of news from Breer coincides with what Dianna Russini reported Saturday, as she said there are interested teams. But many around the NFL are waiting to see if Los Angeles wants to cut them.
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.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 9, 2024
That being said, the Chargers might be better off trading Mack, who is coming off a ridiculous 2023 season at 32 years old. The veteran edge rusher racked up 74 combined tackles, 22 QB hits, 21 tackles for loss, 17 sacks (career-high), 10 pass deflections, and five forced fumbles.
If you are a contending team that believes they are a pass rusher away from making a run, then Mack could be the answer. Last month, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said on Sportscenter that multiple teams “have an eye on” Mack.
If the Chargers can trade Mack, they could save $20 million, giving them some cap relief. Los Angeles might need to move Williams, who has struggled over the last two seasons.
The former first-round pick only played in three games this past season after suffering a torn ACL. Williams has a potential out in his contract heading into 2024, which includes a $12.4 million dead cap.
More Chargers news and analysis: