Chicago Bears: 3 offseason trades to start thinking about now

Trade No. 3

OLB Khalil Mack in a blockbuster

While he’s still a phenomenal talent, Khalil Mack has posted back-to-back single-digit sack numbers for the first time since his rookie year. It is no secret that Mack is held often, but sooner or later, excuses are irrelevant if there is still no production.

Refs don’t call holding when they should. That’s a problem. However, Mack has been far from disruptive on many occasions this year. He’s not the game-wrecker we have been accustomed to seeing over his career.

The focus on the Bears going forward should absolutely be on the offense, so if they’re able to deal Mack for a package of picks that includes at least a first and third rounder, that is a trade worth considering.

Chicago also needs a bit more cash to work with, if you believe in analyzing the salary cap. Trading Mack would free up roughly $100 million off the books over the next four seasons.

The Bears do have a potential “out” in 2022 where they’d be hit with just $12 million in dead cap instead of paying him the remaining $70-plus million. That’s why, right now is the right time to pursue a trade if they’ve even entertained that idea.