The Bears flirted with a reunion for Khalil Mack, but the timing never lined up, and the deal never got across the finish line.
According to Ian Rapoport, there was a real chance Chicago and the Chargers could have worked something out. The problem was that both teams moved at different points in the process, and by the time one side was ready, the other had already shifted course.
Rapoport said the Chargers were not willing to entertain offers on Mack early in the process. Chicago then turned its attention to Jeffery Simmons. Once the Chargers became more open to moving Mack, the Bears were no longer interested in parting with the draft picks after making the Simmons trade.
“Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears, a deal that, I wondered if you asked me at the beginning of this trade season, what was the deal most likely to happen. This is probably what I would have said,” said Rapoport the morning after the NFL trade deadline.
He also said the Chargers valued what Mack still brings inside the building, even with free agency looming this offseason. If he walks, they get nothing back in return, but his presence has mattered to the younger players around him.
"The Chargers never wanted to deal Khalil Mack; they never got close to dealing Khalil Mack,” admitted Rapoport. ‘They wanted him in their locker room; they wanted him to help teach some of the young pass rushers. They want a good culture, and he is a great guy and a great leader.”
There was a late shift from Los Angeles, though. Reports indicated the Chargers became more willing to listen in the final 24 hours, and their decision to move linebacker Daiyan Henley at the deadline showed they were open for business. Rapoport said that came too late for Chicago.
“Then for the Chicago Bears, once they did the Jeffery Simmons deal, that was kind of it, that was kind of the only draft pick compensation they were going to give up,” added the NFL insider. “So, this is one I thought made a lot of sense.
I thought it might happen. In the end, both sides stand pat, and Khalil Mack remains with the Chargers.”
The Bears did spend more draft capital on Simmons, but they also landed the more impactful player. Simmons is under contract beyond this season, while Mack is set to hit free agency.
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