Could the Baltimore Ravens beef up their already-stellar defense by adding spectacular veteran pass-rusher Khalil Mack?
Given that Mack isn't even a free agent, it seems like a stretch. But the idea is being kicked around enough in the media that it is oozing toward "rumor'' status .... and we're trying to make sense of it.
The Los Angeles Chargers just hired Jim Harbaugh to run the show, and the coach surely values All-Pro-level performers - and that is what Mack has been ... and was again in 2023, as he racked up a career-high 17 sacks to go along wit 74 tackles, five forced fumbles and 10 passes defended.
And he made his eighth Pro Bowl, establishing that as was the case earlier in his career, when he was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2016, he's about as good as there is.
So why does Bleacher Report suggest there is a Ravens connection here?
One of their foundational thoughts here seem wobbly, and it relates to the financial impact for the teams involved. B/R's belief is that dumping Mack "would open up $23 million worth of cap room,'' making such a move attractive to the Chargers - even though he was probably their best player last year.
But we see the math another way: There is indeed $23 million is "savings.'' But that doesn't count the fact that would take on $15.6 million in dead money. ... so the net is actually $7.4 million.
Would the Chargers really benefit by $7.4 million to not have Mack?
A trade wouldn't make much sense here for the Ravens, by the way, because barring a renegotiation, it'd be Baltimore taking on that $23 million cap hit ... a tough number to justify given the circumstances.
Los Angeles is $44 million over the cap. So John's team should keep an eye on Jim's team as it makes front office cap decisions. But Baltimore just led the NFL with 60 sacks this past season, and has reason to prioritize the guys who made this defense happen - like free agents Justin Madubuike and Patrick Queen in free agency - rather than go fishing elsewhere.
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