3 galaxy-brain trades the Detroit Lions would love to make

Lions galaxy brain trade No. 3: Buy low on Khalil Mack

In 2022, the Lions’ defense gave up 25.1 points per game, which was tied for the third-most in the NFL. If they want to be contenders, they need to get better on the defensive side of the ball.

The Los Angeles Chargers are another team with negative cap space. According to Spotrac, the Chargers have -$19.92 million in cap space.

Mack is a logical trade candidate. Moving him would save $18.4 million in cap space. Last offseason, the Chargers traded a second-round pick and a sixth-round pick for Mack. A year later, his value is slightly lower. So, a third-round pick seems like fair value.

From the Lion’s perspective, they would get Mack at a reduced price. Since the Chargers would absorb some of Mack’s cap hit, he would only carry a $22.9 million cap hit in Detroit. In a vacuum, that still seems high, but it would actually rank 11th among NFL edge rushers.

At age 32, Mack is still a force to be reckoned with. Last season, he recorded eight sacks and 12 tackles for loss. Mack and Aidan Hutchinson would form a fearsome pass rushing duo.

This move would immediately improve the Lions’ playoff odds without sacrificing a significant amount of their draft capital.