The Los Angeles Chargers have released former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and five-time Pro Bowler Joey Bosa. A move that was expected, he’ll be joining his running mate Khalil Mack in free agency. With the Chicago Bears’ need for another pass rusher, which one do they go after?
Joey Bosa vs. Khalil Mack: Only One Is the Answer for the Bears
Joey Bosa is second in Chargers’ franchise history with 72 sacks during the regular season. Despite this, he has struggled to stay on the field, missing 23 games over the past three seasons. Plus Bosa only had 2.5 sacks in 2022, 6.5 in 2023, and five last season. Compare that to Khalil Mack missing just one game the past three seasons with eight sacks in 2022, 17 sacks in 2023, and six sacks last season.
While Bosa (29) is younger than Mack (34), the difference isn’t drastic enough to outweigh Mack’s availability and consistency.
Why a Khalil Mack Reunion Makes Sense
More than just a heartfelt reunion in Chicago, the Bears desperately need help getting to the quarterback. With the recent trades for offensive linemen Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, the philosophy in Chicago has shifted to a win-now mentality. That said, the Bears will likely draft a pass rusher within the first two rounds of the NFL Draft, so if the price is right, bringing Khalil Mack back to mentor the young pass rusher and help Montez Sweat regain form would be huge.
This wouldn’t be a “break the bank” signing for the Bears but rather a team-friendly deal that allows Mack to finish his career in Chicago. Reports indicate Mack is open to a return and isn’t seeking the spotlight he once had with the Bears. Considering his durability, production, and familiarity, he checks all the boxes.
Khalil Mack calls his four years with the Bears a “special time” in his life.
We feel the same, @FiftyDeuce.
: via @chargers https://t.co/DxM9Y5Drmf pic.twitter.com/TxofQWppkm
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) March 17, 2022
Outlook for the Chargers’ Pass Rushers
Both older pass rushers may go with their heart over money at this stage in their careers. Joey Bosa may want to end his career playing alongside his younger brother, Nick Bosa, in San Francisco with the 49ers. The two brothers have expressed a desire to play together in the NFL and Michael Silver of The Athletic mentioned the 49ers had some interest in Joey last season.
As for Khalil Mack, this is the first time in his career that he’ll have the opportunity to choose his team. Drafted by the Raiders, traded to the Bears, and then traded to the Chargers, it must be enticing for Mack to dictate the next step in his career. However, it makes sense for Mack to want to return to where he enjoyed the peak of his career. While there’s no lingering bad blood between Mack and the Bears’ front office over the trade, other teams will undoubtedly make a strong attempt to sign him.
Ultimately, if the Bears want a reliable, productive veteran to help elevate the defense, Khalil Mack is the answer.
Main Image: Brad Penner – USA Today Sports
The post Only One Chargers’ Star Pass Rusher Is the Answer for the Bears appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.