The Los Angeles Chargers have some big decisions that need to be made about their roster this offseason. The team isn't in the best place financially and may have to cut ties with some of their premier talent to ease up on everything.
One player who could be a cap casualty is star edge rusher Khalil Mack. Mack is coming off his best season in years, but his high salary for next season could see him be moved.
This could come in the team releasing him, or finding a trade partner. Either way, the reality is that Mack may not be on the Bolts come next season
"They also have a quartet of players who could free up a significant amount of salary cap space. Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams all have cap numbers over $30 million next season. There's really an argument for any of them to be trade fodder. However, Mack tops them all in cap savings if traded ($23.3 million). He's also the oldest of the group. He just turned 33 in February."
Losing Mack would hurt the Chargers' defense for next season, but if they could trade him for some future draft capital, it could be worth it. After his stellar year, teams will be very interested in his services, including the Atlanta Falcons.
"That makes Mack the most likely of the Chargers to get traded. The Atlanta Falcons make sense as a buyer. They have a ton of salary cap space and were 21st in sacks last season."
Atlanta is looking to be competitive next season, and bringing in a veteran like Mack would be a great start. He could help their young guys develop while giving them a true star at getting to the quarterback.
It remains to be seen what the Bolts will do, but losing Mack may be for the best. Los Angeles has to start thinking about their future, and cutting costs now will benefit them down the line.
More must-reads: