Chargers will trade Khalil Mack
This is the move that is likely going to happen but many Chargers fans are against it. Khalil Mack is coming off one of the best seasons of his career and has been far more durable the last two seasons than Joey Bosa.
Fans know that the Chargers have to part ways with one of the two edge rushers and because of those two factors, many prefer if the team keeps Mack. While that is understandable, there are multiple signs pointing to Mack being the one that the Chargers cut ties with to save money.
Even though he has been more durable the last two years, Mack is still older than Bosa and the chance of injury (and regression) is much higher. As great as Mack was last season, it is not unheard of for a 33-year-old edge rusher to regress massively and become a shell of his former self.
Additionally, the Chargers get more out of parting ways with Mack. There is not going to be a trade market for two years of Bosa, especially at his price with his injury concerns. Thus, the Chargers would just end up cutting him and would only save $14.3 million.
On one hand, the Chargers can cut the younger player for nothing and save $14.3 million. On the other hand, the Chargers can trade the older player for draft capital and save $23.25 million in the process.
It is a hard move to make, but that doesn't mean it's the wrong move.