The Pittsburgh Steelers could make significant moves during the 2024 NFL offseason.
They spoke with Russell Wilson amid concerns about their quarterback predicament.
Now it appears that Diontae Johnson could be a trade candidate.
They have also cleared a significant amount of cap space this summer with cutbacks.
One bookmaker believes the Steelers can use that space to make a major statement in a position where they are currently strong.
According to Alan Saunders of Steelers Now, BetOnline now has the Steelers listed as 5/1 to be Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack’s next team.
A Resurgent 2023 for Khalil Mack
Mack’s career had struck a halt during his first season in Chicago. After recording 12.5 sacks in his first season with the Bears, he failed to reach double digits in any of his subsequent three.
That prompted the Bears to trade him to the Chargers for a second-round pick, which was far less than what they gave up to acquire him from the Raiders.
His first season in Los Angeles was his fourth in a row without registering double-digit sacks.
Then he had a huge 2023 season.
Mack recorded a career-high 17 sacks and 36 pressures this season. His outstanding performance earned him a Pro Bowl nomination and ninth place in the Defensive Player of the Year vote.
Unfortunately, that is probably not enough to convince the Chargers to keep him around in 2024 because it would be incredibly pricey.
Mack’s contract has a budget charge of little over $38.5 million, and the Chargers could save more than $23 million by cutting him.
If the Chargers decide to move on, Mack should have plenty of interested parties, but the Steelers are unlikely to be among them.
The Strongest Part of the Steelers
Throughout the offseason, there will be numerous rumors with varied degrees of veracity.
Mack is clearly a talented pass rusher, but that is one of the few strengths the Steelers currently possess.
Regardless of how the Defensive Player of the Year voters felt, Pittsburgh’s roster includes the best edge rusher in football.
T.J. Watt led the NFL in sacks for the third time in four seasons. During the 2023 season, he accumulated 19.
He also accumulated 50 pressures and forced four fumbles.
Watt is not their only excellent pass rusher.
Alex Highsmith may not receive the same kind of attention as Watt, but he has been tremendously impressive throughout his first four years in the NFL.
In 2022, Highsmith had 14.5 sacks and tied for the league lead with 5 forced fumbles.
His stats dropped significantly in 2023, with only 7 sacks, but he still had 26 pressures, just two fewer than the previous year.
Signing Mack would not be cheap, and the Steelers have little reason to make the move until one of these players is traded.
There are undoubtedly much better bets available for Mack’s next team.
