Bears eye Khalil Mack reunion as Chargers face fire sale

Key points

• ESPN insider Dan Graziano predicts the Bears will be active buyers at the Nov. 10 deadline, citing their 3-1 record and GM Ryan Poles' aggressive approach.
• The Bears need upgrades at defensive back and pass rusher, especially with QB Caleb Williams absent for two games.
• Khalil Mack, 35, is a key target; he has three sacks, 14 pressures, and a 79.3 PFF grade (15th among edges) in 2026.
• The Chargers are 0-4, the first time since 2017, and are the third team in NFL history to start 0-4 after back-to-back 11-win seasons.
• Mack's $18 million contract includes a $10 million signing bonus; the Bears could restructure the deal to limit cap impact, with a fourth-round pick as likely compensation.
• The San Francisco 49ers (4-0) and Baltimore Ravens are also potential suitors for Mack or other Chargers pass rushers like Tuli Tuipulotu.

Background

The Bears had a strong start in 2026, including a 59-37 win over the Panthers in Week 1 led by Caleb Williams, who is expected to sign a long-term extension. Chicago previously traded for Mack in 2018, where he recorded 36 sacks in 53 games and made three Pro Bowls. The team recently trimmed its roster, trading defensive tackle Gervon Dexter to the Falcons. The Chargers, meanwhile, are struggling with a 16.8 points-per-game offense and Justin Herbert's career-low 59.7% completion rate.

How outlets are covering it

Windy City Gridiron emphasizes the Bears' specific need for a pass rusher and the financial feasibility of acquiring Mack, noting that Chicago's cap space is limited but manageable through restructuring. CBS Sports highlights the broader context of the Chargers' collapse, framing Mack as part of a potential 'fire sale' alongside other players like Tuli Tuipulotu. CBS also notes that while pass rusher is not the Bears' biggest need, a Mack reunion would boost their defense. Both outlets agree that the Chargers' 0-4 start makes them likely sellers, but CBS provides more detail on other potential landing spots for Mack, including the 49ers and Ravens, while Windy City Gridiron focuses on the Bears' specific strategy and financial constraints.

Why it matters

A successful trade for Mack could significantly bolster the Bears' defense in a wide-open NFL season, potentially helping them repeat as NFC North champions. For the Chargers, moving expiring contracts like Mack's could provide draft capital to rebuild, especially after a disastrous start that threatens head coach Jim Harbaugh's job. The trade deadline will be a critical moment for both teams, with the Bears looking to capitalize on their early success and the Chargers trying to salvage value from a struggling roster.

What to watch

The Bears are expected to evaluate their roster over the next few weeks, particularly with Caleb Williams' injury status. The Chargers will likely continue to assess their options as they face tough opponents like the Broncos, Chiefs, and Rams. The trade deadline on November 10 will be the key moment for any major moves, with the Bears and other contenders likely to make aggressive bids for players like Mack and Tuipulotu.