LA Chargers fans are on the edge of their seats as they wait for the verdict on Khalil Mack's future in the NFL. With Joey Bosa no longer on the roster, many fans are optimistic it is only a matter of time until Mack signs.
Mack is entering free agency for the first time in his career, so it will likely take some time for him to make a decision. The veteran edge rusher will have a robust market and he has to take the due diligence of exploring all options.
The Chargers still feel like the strong favorites, especially with one of Mack's suitors potentially taking aim at another big-name edge rusher on the market. ESPN's Mina Kimes was quick to name the Chicago Bears as a potential suitor for Trey Hendrickson, which would remove the need for Mack.
"With [Trey Hendrickson and DK Metcalf] having a year left [on their contract] that does depress their trade value."@MinaKimes spoke on teams she believes should "be on the phone" for All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson📱 pic.twitter.com/0sMsbt5sMe
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 6, 2025
Trey Hendrickson trade may help the Chargers re-sign Khalil Mack
The Cincinnati Bengals granted the 2024 sacks leader permission to seek out a trade on Thursday with the two sides likely failing to come to terms on an extension this offseason. There would be no trade conversations if an extension was agreed upon.
Chicago being the first team Kimes mentions as a suitor is important for the Chargers. The Bears were considered one of the favorites to lure Mack away if he was to leave Los Angeles, with some even reporting there was mutual interest between the two parties.
The Bears focusing on Hendrickson is good for the Chargers on two levels. Not only is it a good sign that Chicago might not be confident in signing Mack, but it is also the perfect example of the Bears potentially taking their eyes off Mack as a free-agent target.
Chicago already had a tough sell to Mack considering his No. 1 priority is competing for a Super Bowl. But with the Bears potentially focusing on a different edge rusher, that sell becomes even more difficult.
It's not just the Bears, either. Any team that is in on Mack is theoretically going to be in the market for Hendrickson, too. This added focus on Hendrickson will only help the Chargers' case.
Nothing is guaranteed for the Chargers as there undoubtedly are other teams in need of an edge rusher who will reach out to Mack this offseason. The early signs before free agency begins are promising, though, which should lead Mack right back to Los Angeles.
Only time will tell.