Chicago Bears: Khalil Mack trade changes NFC North conversation
The Chicago Bears caused the NFL ground to shake by pulling off a trade for Khalil Mack. This is a move that changes the NFC North landscape.
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace set out to overhaul the team and reverse all the losing it went through in his first three seasons. He turned the bottom-dwelling wide receiver corps into one that could be a strength. He hired coaches who will help in quarterback Mitch Trubisky‘s development and kept defensive coordinator Vic Fangio from leaving.
The moves Pace made were impressive, but many felt the Bears were still a season or two away from really contending. Pace wasn’t finished, however. As the NFL is on the doorstep of starting the 2018 season, Pace and the Bears rocked the league by pulling off a huge trade — acquiring elite pass rusher Khalil Mack.
There is no question how great Mack is. Last season, he recorded 78 tackles and 10.5 sacks. For his career, he has 303 tackles and 40.5 sacks. He is certainly a pass rusher every team covets (except for the Oakland Raiders).
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This move is a game-changer not only for the Bears but for the NFC North. The Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers were the favorites to win the division. Some thought the Bears would again finish in last place.
Mack changes all of that. Adding Mack to a defense that was already a top-ten defense last season can turn it into a top-three defense and help the Bears actually win the division.
With Mack, the Bears again turn a weakness into a strength. With all the moves made to change the roster, the only move made to help the pass rush situation was acquiring Aaron Lynch. Lynch promptly got injured and missed the entire preseason.
Now the Bears have an elite pass rusher opposite of Leonard Floyd. In fact, the Bears have an incredible linebacker corps. Add Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan to Mack and Floyd, and the Bears have a great and athletic linebacker starting unit.
As many have noted throughout this offseason, the NFC North has a plethora of quarterbacks who can kill a defense in many ways. Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, and Matthew Stafford can embarrass defenses. You need to put great pressure on them and make them make decisions before they want.
In addition to the great starting linebackers, the Bears also have Akiem Hicks at defensive end. Having Mack rushing the passer on one side and Floyd on the other helps free some space up for him. Look for him to compete for Defensive Player of the Year along with Mack.
Next. Winners and losers from Mack trade. dark
Acquiring Mack wasn’t inexpensive. As of this writing, it is reported that the Bears gave up two first round picks. There were also reports that they would give up either a player or another pick that has yet to be determined. Additionally, Mack is looking to surpass the six-year, $135 million ($87 million guaranteed) contract Aaron Donald just signed.
In order to acquire greatness you need to pay for it. The Chicago Bears paid it and now people around the league need to deal with them.