Jim Harbaugh is the Los Angeles Chargers’ first-choice head coach at last. Additionally, Joe Horitz—a former director of player personnel for the Baltimore Ravens—has been paired with Harbaugh. It will be necessary to have some difficult talks, even though everyone is excited about the team’s new path. Who on the team, for example, will be cut depending on their cap room hit?
Going into the 2024 season, the Chargers have one of the worst cap situations of any team. They have a ton of free agents and are about $45 million above the cap.
Some talented players, meanwhile, might not be able to keep their current status despite wanting to. Khalil Mack, a veteran linebacker, is one of them. Mack joined the Chargers in 2022 after leaving the Bears, and he recorded 8 sacks in his first season. Since then, he has more than doubled that total, recording a career-high 17 sacks in 2023. He may be thirty-two, but he still plays like a much younger man. The problem is that Mack has a sizable $38 million cap hit. Although Mack’s desires are unpredictable, the organization may try to rework his contract.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report claims that by merely cutting him, the Chargers could save $23 million. In order to obtain some much-needed draft capital, they might also locate a trade partner.
While Harbaugh’s arrival does not guarantee a Super Bowl appearance, he has turned around every team he has ever been on. Mack has expressed plenty of frustration with the team after being under Brandon Staley, who all but wasted the defensive capabilities of the team. There is a brand-new structure in place, and Mack might want to stick around to see if he can finally chase a ring with the Chargers.
The problem will arise if Horitz and Harbaugh jointly determine that removing Mack in order to free up contract space is preferable to maintaining him.
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