Chargers' Khalil Mack backlash
The Chargers’ recent signing of Khalil Mack has sparked heavy criticism—analysts are questioning whether the move was the right roster fit and value for Los Angeles (si.com).
Khalil Mack signed a one‑year, fully guaranteed $18 million deal with the Chargers that carries an $18 million cap hit for 2026. (nfl.com) Mack is 35 years old and produced 5.5 sacks in 12 regular‑season games in 2025. (espn.com) PFF assigned Mack an 83.0 overall defensive grade for 2025 (12th among 115 qualifying edge defenders), and DAZN calculated a 14.8% pressure rate that ranked in the 83rd percentile among edge rushers last season. (pff.com) Critics have highlighted the full guarantee and Mack’s age as the core concerns, with outlets and former players questioning the logic of committing $18 million to a 35‑year‑old edge rusher. (si.com) The signing followed Los Angeles’ earlier personnel moves — the Chargers had signed center Tyler Biadasz to replace Bradley Bozeman — and came as Odafe Oweh left town to sign a four‑year, $100 million deal with the Washington Commanders. (si.com) Cap trackers show Mack’s deal carries an $18 million dead‑cap value and represented roughly 5.98% of the Chargers’ 2026 cap in Spotrac’s breakdown, a figure analysts say shapes how much the team can spend on younger pass‑rush targets. (spotrac.com)
