As the November 10 NFL trade deadline approaches and the Chargers sit at 0-7, the noise around edge rusher Khalil Mack has been loud. Contenders, including the Bears, have inquired. But Mack has made it clear he wants to stay in Los Angeles.
In comments to The Athletic's Noah Furtado
, Mack was asked if he had directly told head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz that he wants to remain a Charger amid the trade buzz.“Yeah, they know how I feel, man,” Mack said. “It’s just tough with all the outside noise. And so, ultimately, I want to be here, and I want to help them win. Even though it’s tough right now, you always see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
The stance aligns with what Harbaugh said earlier this week. When asked about
potentially trading Mack, the coach was direct: “I want Khalil Mack here. Khalil Mack wants to be here. He’s one of the pillars of our team.”
Mack has been consistent throughout the speculation. After the team’s latest loss, he told reporters the key is staying present.
“You’ve got to be where your feet are, man, ultimately. That can be the most difficult thing when you’re dealing with a lot of outside noise and stuff. Just trying to be where your feet are at all times. That’s kind of been my thing in years past.”
Weeks earlier, with the team at 0-5, he put it even more bluntly: “I’m still ring chasing here, bro. I have total belief and total faith in this team and this organization.”
The Chargers could trade Mack because their 0-7 record has effectively ended any realistic playoff hopes, his expiring one-year contract means they risk losing him for nothing in free agency, and a deal could return draft capital from a contender.
At the same time, they might not trade him because he remains a productive, high-character pillar who provides on-field impact, veteran leadership, and mentorship for the defense. Additionally, Mack and his family might enjoy living in Los Angeles and do not want to relocate to another city.
Only time will tell regarding Mack's future with the deadline just four days away.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers' Khalil Mack addresses trade speculation ahead of deadline
