Proposed Lions trade would be a brutal gut punch for one division rival

The NFC North's going to be brutal this year. There's a legitimate argument to be made for each team's title chances – even, sigh, the Bears – which is not something most divisions can claim. Especially with the Lions', uh, underwhelming offseason, the division has felt more up-for-grabs than at any point in the last 2-3 seasons.

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That's why it's imperative – imperative – that the Lions make a move. Not only that, but it's imperative that the Lions make a petty, soul-crushing move. They'll have plenty of time this fall to win actual games – now's the time to win mind games. Bleacher Report clearly knows that too, because that's the only way to explain how devious their new proposed trade is. And not only is it devious, but it's actually a good football idea too.

The Lions should absolutely be petty and trade for Khalil Mack

Los Angeles Chargers receive: 2026 fifth-round pick
Detroit Lions receive: Edge Khalil Mack

"Khalil Mack fits the bill as a pricy veteran in the twilight of his career who can still make key contributions. He’s earned Pro Bowl nods in each of the last three seasons—including in 2023 when he notched a career-high 17 sacks—and the Bolts rewarded his consistent efforts with a one-year, $18 million extension back in March ... The Detroit Lions could be the perfect landing spot for Mack. The team needs to add some juice on the edge to take the heat off star sack artist Aidan Hutchinson, and Mack could be the ideal player to give opposing offenses fits ... Injuries—including a season-ending broken leg for Hutchinson—caught up to Detroit last year and cost the organization a chance at its first Lombardi Trophy. Adding more depth and another elite option like Mack to ease Hutchinson’s burden is exactly what this roster needs to make a Super Bowl push."

It's gotta happen. I'm not going to really spend any time whatsoever trying to rationalize the football decision here – Mack's resume speaks for itself, and if you want to go pore over Football Reference and Pro Football Focus for the next 20 minutes to see that for yourself, don't let me get in the way.

What's more important is how petty this is. Can you imagine how Bears fans would react? I can't think of a better way to ruin their summer than endless amounts of Mack-in-Lions-Blue b-roll. That first Caleb Williams sack would hit so hard. The next five Caleb Williams sacks would also be rewarding.

This has to happen. Winning football games is one thing – but doing it in the pettiest way possible? That's what champions are made of.