Mack
The Khalil Mack trade conversation is starting to heat up, and the Dallas Cowboys have reasons to pay attention.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently identified Mack as one of the players to monitor ahead of the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline. The Los Angeles Chargers have started the season 0-4, Mack is playing on an expiring contract and, if the losses continue, Schefter expects teams to begin calling about his availability.
There has been no report that Dallas has contacted the Chargers or expressed direct interest in Mack.
That distinction matters.
Still, the Cowboys have publicly left the door open to more defensive additions, and pass rush remains one of the clearest areas where the roster could improve.
So if Mack eventually becomes available, should Dallas be interested?
Dallas Still Has a Pass-Rush Problem
Sunday’s win over Houston provided some signs.
Quinnen Williams and Rashan Gary both recorded sacks, while Dallas generated significantly more pressure than it had during the first three weeks.
But one better performance does not erase the larger concern.
The Cowboys managed only two sacks over their first three games and now have four through Week 4. Before facing Houston, Dallas’ pressure rate sat at just 14.4%, among the lower marks in the league.
That lack of consisten pressure has also placed additional stress on a secondary that is already dealing with injuries and inconsistent coverage.
Houston provided the perfect example. Dallas finally got more disruption up front, yet C.J. Stroud still threw for 347 yards.
Adding another edge rusher would not solver every defensive problem. It could make several of them easier to manage.
Mack Is 35, but There is Still Fuel in the Tank
The biggest hesitation is obvious.
Khalil Mack is 35 years old and in his 13th NFL season. Any team acquiring him would be making a move for the present, not adding a long-term building block.
His production, however, suggest age has not eliminated his ability to affect games.
Mack has three sacks through four games, only one fewer than the Cowboys entire defense. Sports illustrated, citing PFF, also credited him with 13 pressures, ranking 15th among edge rushers.
That is what makes the situation interesting.
Dallas would not be trading for the version of Mack that won Defensive Player of the Year a decade ago. The Cowboys would be looking at a veteran who can still win pass-rush, play within a rotation and make life easier for the rest of the defensive front.
At 35, Mack does not need to carry a defense to provide value.
How Mack Would fit in Dallas
Dallas already has Gary on the edge and Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark inside. Adding Mack would create another matchup problem and give Parker more flexibility on obvious passing downs.
Khalil Mack would not need to play every snap, either.
At 35, Dallas could use him as part of a rotation and prioritize situations where his pass.rushing ability provides the most value.
There is one potential downside. Malachi Lawrence is only four games into his rookie season after Dallas selected him in the first round. He has yet to record his first NFL sack, but those early snaps are part of developing the player Dallas hopes will become a long-term piece on the edge.
Adding Mack would inevitably take some opportunities away from Lawrence and potentially Donovan Ezeiruaku.
That does not necessarily make the fit worse. Learning alongside a player with Mack’s experience could also benefit Lawrence.
Dallas would simply have to balance immediate production with the development of one of its most important rookies.
Khalil Mack’s Contract Is More Manageable Than It Looks
The $18 million number attached to Mack’s contract sounds expensive.
A trade would tell a different story.
Mack’s one-year deal includes an $8 million base salary and a $10 million signing bonus. Because Los Angeles already paid the signing bonus, an acquiring team would generally take on only the remaining portion of his base salary.
After four weeks, that would leave roughly $6 million for the remainder of the regular season. That makes Mack considerably easier to absorb than the full $18 million.
The larger cost would likely be the draft pick required to get him.
The Draft Pick Would Decide Everythig
There is currently no reported asking price for Los Angeles.
Sports Illustrated estimated something around a fourth-round selection, possibly with another late pick involved, but that is a projection rather than information from the Chargers.
Khalil Mack’s age and expiring contract should matter heavily in negotiations.
Dallas has already invested future assets into improving this roster. Giving up another premium pick for a player who could spend only half a season with the Cowboys would be difficult to justify.
A reasonable Day 3 price would make the conversation much different.
That is where Dallas interest should begin.
The Last Word
Mack
Sep 20, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) sacks Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Khalil Mack trade market does not truly exist yet, but the circumstances could create one quickly.
Los Angeles is 0-4, Mack is on an expiring contract and Schefter has already identified him as a player teams could call about if the Chargers keep losing. For Dallas, the fit is obvious: Mack can still rush the passer, his remaining salary is manageable and the Cowboys need more consistent pressure.
The decision becomes harder when draft capital and Malachi Lawrence’s development enter the equation.
Dallas does not need to force another defensive trade. But if Mack becomes available for a reasonable price, the Cowboys should at least have the conversation.
What would be the highest pick Dallas should give up for him?
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