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Khalil Mack, a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, might be on the move soon. The Los Angeles Chargers, Mack's current team, have unexpectedly begun the season with an 0-4 record after a Week 4 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns sit at 3-1 and are tied atop the AFC North, making them a potential landing spot for the veteran edge rusher.
On Sunday, Oct. 4, ESPN's Adam Schefter listed Mack as a player who could attract trade interest if the Chargers' struggles persist. At 35, Mack is no longer the dominant force he was when he won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2016, but he remains productive, recording 3 sacks and 14 total tackles this season. He could be an appealing addition for contending teams seeking to upgrade their defensive front.
Why a Browns-Chargers Trade Makes Sense
Cleveland's strong start could motivate the Browns to invest in their defensive line for a playoff push. Mack would enhance a Browns pass rush that has already notched 11 sacks through four games, tied for eighth in the NFL. The team also lost starting defensive end Alex Wright to a ruptured Achilles during training camp.
From the Chargers' perspective, trading Mack would allow them to acquire draft capital for a veteran on an expiring contract. Cleveland is well-positioned with 11 selections in the 2027 NFL Draft, including three fourth-round picks and two fifth-rounders. Mack's versatility across multiple defensive fronts could also fit Cleveland's scheme, where he would return to a true defensive end role opposite Jared Verse, reminiscent of his time with the Raiders. Browns defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire emphasizes an attacking, penetrating style that plays to Mack's strengths.
Salary Cap Implications
Based on Mack's $8 million base salary, a trade immediately after Week 4 would leave Cleveland responsible for approximately $6.2 million, assuming no salary adjustment. The Chargers would retain cap charges for his $10 million signing bonus and roughly $1.8 million in base salary already earned. Cleveland can accommodate the remaining salary within its approximately $14.2 million in available cap space.
Potential Trade Framework
While the Chargers' true asking price for Mack is unknown, his age and expiring contract could limit the return, though his production might spark competition among interested teams. Given his track record, Browns general manager Andrew Berry is unlikely to overpay for a short-term rental. A package of 2027 fourth- and fifth-round picks is one possible framework, but whether that would satisfy Los Angeles remains uncertain. With Mack's contract expiring after the season, Cleveland would be paying for a short-term boost to its pass rush.
Noah Olson is a Northeast Ohio native and lifelong Cleveland sports fan. He graduated from The College of Wooster with a major in Communications and has been sports writing since 2024. As a writer for BIGPLAY On SI, Noah brings a blend of local pride and an insider's perspective, focusing on thoughtful analysis and storytelling rooted in Cleveland sports culture. Follow Noaholson77.