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According to reports, the Las Vegas Raiders reached out to Chicago Bears in an attempt to bring Khalil Mack, an outside linebacker, back to the team after he was traded to them in 2018.
Vic Tafur from The Athletic reported Monday that the Raiders called the Bears in March in order to find out if Mack was available for a blockbuster trade. However, Chicago was not interested in the idea.
Las Vegas signed Yannick Ngakoue, an edge-rusher, to a $26 million two-year contract in free agency.
Mack was the fifth overall pick of the 2014 NFL draft by the Raiders. Mack, a University at Buffalo graduate, was able to make a national splash in August 2013, when he had nine tackles, 2.5sacks, and an interception that resulted in a touchdown.
Mack quickly became one of the NFL's most influential defenders. Mack had 304 total tackles, 8 quarterback hits, 40.5sacks, 11 passes defensed, 9 forced fumbles, and one interception in 64 games over four years with Raiders.
However, the 2016 Defensive Player-of-the Year became frustrated with his contract and stayed out of preseason and training camp until he was traded to Chicago.
He has been a constant force on the Bears' edge, with a total of 30 sacks, 14 forced interceptions, and 11 passes defensed in 46 games during the last three seasons.
Though there was speculation that Jon Gruden, Raiders' head coach, didn't want Mack to join his team, Mark Davis, the team owner, said that Mack was not the case. He stated that the Raiders couldn't afford Mack's $141 million six-year deal from Chicago.
Jon wanted him. Everyone believes Jon is the one who wanted him to go. In 2018, Jon wanted him very badly," Davis said to ESPN's Paul Gutierrez. "Why would you not want this guy?" [Former general manager] Reggie [McKenzie] wanted him badly. He was also my worst enemy."
Mack's return would have been a huge boost for a Las Vegas pass rush, which finished 29th in NFL with 21 sacks during 2020.
Ngakoue may not be an elite talent like Mack but he has been a reliable edge-rusher ever since the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted him in the third round. In his five pro seasons, Ngakoue has tallied at most eight sacks, including a career high of 12.
The 26-year old Washington, D.C. native split his last season with the Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings, and finished the year with 23 tackles and eight sacks.
In the future, Chicago and Las Vegas will face off in Week 5, at Allegiant Stadium. The Mack rumors will add some intrigue to the Oct. 10 clash.
