The Chicago Bears did not trade for edge rusher Khalil Mack despite reports, rumors, and plenty of speculation that the two would reunite. According to Ian Rapoport, there was a chance that the deal was going to come together. However, the issue was timing from both sides.
Chicago Bears Do Not Land Khalil Mack
Rapoport noted that early on, the Chargers were not willing to listen to offers on Mack. Then, the Bears moved on to Jeffery Simmons. When the Chargers became receptive, the Bears did not want to give up the picks after the Simmons trade.
From The Insiders @nflnetwork: A look at a trade that didn’t happen but could’ve — Khalil Mack to the #Bears. pic.twitter.com/uppJQofSMY
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 11, 2026
“Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears, a deal that, I wondered if you asked me at the beginning of this trade season, what was the deal most likely to happen. This is probably what I would have said,” said Rapoport the morning after the NFL trade deadline.
Rapoport added that the Chargers like the leadership Mack brings. He might leave in free agency this offseason, and they will get nothing back from him. However, the younger players have grown under his wing, which adds value.
"The Chargers never wanted to deal Khalil Mack; they never got close to dealing Khalil Mack,” admitted Rapoport. ‘They wanted him in their locker room; they wanted him to help teach some of the young pass rushers. They want a good culture, and he is a great guy and a great leader.”
However, reports were that the Chargers changed their tune in the last 24 hours. They dealt linebacker Daiyan Henley at the deadline, signaling they were open for business. Rapoport noted that was too late.
“Then for the Chicago Bears, once they did the Jeffery Simmons deal, that was kind of it, that was kind of the only draft pick compensation they were going to give up,” added the NFL insider. “So, this is one I thought made a lot of sense. I thought it might happen. In the end, both sides stand pat, and Khalil Mack remains with the Chargers.”
There is definitely a world where the Bears would have added Mack. However, things did not work out that way. The Bears gave up more draft capital for Simmons, but they got a bigger impact player. Beyond that, Simmons is signed beyond this year, while Mack is a free agent.
So, the move fits the Bears' timeline more as well. Perhaps Chicago will try to sign Mack this offseason.
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