Chargers Turned Down Interest In Ladd McConkey, Khalil Mack

A primary reason for general manager Joe Hortiz’s inaction is a lack of interest in his more movable players on expiring contracts, like cornerback Donte Jackson and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson. Other clubs reached out to the Chargers about cornerstone assets that Hortiz was not prepared to deal, according to The Athletic’s Noah Furtado. Among them were wide receiver Ladd McConkey, Hortiz’s second draft selection as Los Angeles’ GM and likely a non-starter in trade discussions. The 2024 second-round pick has seen his stats plummet since his 1,149-yard, seven-touchdown rookie season amid the Chargers’ persistent offensive struggles. But he still profiles as Justin Herbert’s target in the long-term – if Hortiz can shore up his offensive line.

Los Angeles’ other NFL team was thought to have called on McConkey, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The Rams could have used receiver help with amid their current injury crisis, but their lack of draft capital and expectation for both Puka Nacua and Davante Adams to return this year precluded a major move.

The Chargers also held onto Khalil Mack despite plenty of chatter about the veteran edge rusher over the last month. The 35-year-old on an expiring deal seemed like an obvious candidate to be bought up by a contender, but his team “never wanted” to trade him, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

““They wanted him in their locker room,” Rapoport added. “They wanted him to help teach some of the young pass-rushers.” 

A reunion with the Bears seemed possible, if not likely during October, but Chicago’s blockbuster trade for Jeffery Simmons ended its chances of spending more draft capital, especially the amount required to land Mack. Instead, he will remain in Los Angeles for the rest of the season before considering if he wants to play for a 14th NFL season.