Khalil Mack trade rumors: Los Angeles Rams should make a deal
The Khalil Mack trade rumors will run wild until he either signs an extension or returns to the Raiders in general. The Los Angeles Rams should go all-in…
The Los Angeles Rams don’t have a ton of cap space in 2018, but they do beyond 2018 and they are constructing their roster accordingly. Why not add Khalil Mack to the mix?
The Rams have already made major headlines this offseason, and the Raiders are at a standstill with their superstar pass rusher.
The Rams’ offseason started off with a bang, as they traded for Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Peters from the Kansas City Chiefs, one of the top ball-hawking cornerbacks in the game today.
They followed that move with a trade for Aqib Talib of the Denver Broncos.
They proceeded to go out and sign Ndamukong Suh, who was released by the Miami Dolphins.
With all of the roster shuffling in Los Angeles, one thing that cannot be overlooked is how weak the team is at outside linebacker, a critical piece of Wade Phillips’ man-up, attacking defense.
The Rams’ current depth chart includes Matt Longacre and Samson Ebukam in the starting lineup.
No offense to those guys, but Khalil Mack would be a clear upgrade.
The Rams could afford both Mack and defensive tackle Aaron Donald into the future, and would simply have to part ways with Ndamukong Suh after this season.
They would have to jump through some hoops to make a trade with the Raiders, but it’s not impossible.
Because of Mack’s $13-plus million cap figure (fully guaranteed), the Rams would have to likely send a player with a similarly high cap number to the Raiders.
It would be a tough pill to swallow, but a trade that could make sense for both teams is Khalil Mack for LaMarcus Joyner, and the Rams sending at least a first-round draft pick in addition.
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That seems like a steep price considering how well Joyner played last season (PFF graded him the number two overall safety in all of football) but Mack is an elite edge player and one of the best pass rushers in the league.
If the Rams want, they could put together a defensive front that includes Aaron Donald and Khalil Mack for the foreseeable future, and Ndamukong Suh at least for this season.
It might be a longshot, but Les Snead and company should at least try.