NFL rumors: Ian Rapoport reveals why Bears, Chargers didn’t make expected Khalil Mack trade

Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesNFL rumors: Ian Rapoport reveals why Bears, Chargers didn’t make expected Khalil Mack trade appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The 2026 NFL trade deadline was not as eventful as many fans had hoped for. There were a few big moves, notably the Vikings reuniting with QB Kirk Cousins. But Jonathan Taylor and a few other trade targets did not end up getting moved. That includes one trade that everyone expected for the past several weeks.NFL insider Ian Rapoport explained why one expected trade involving Khalil Mack never materialized at the deadline.“Here’s one I was watching not just today, but over the last couple of weeks is Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears. A deal that, you know, I wondered if you asked me at the beginning of this trade season what was the deal most likely to happen this is probably what I would have said,” Rapoport said on Tuesday via The Insiders on NFL Network. “Here’s the reason it didn’t. The Chargers never wanted to deal Khalil Mack. They never got close to dealing Khalil Mack, they wanted him in their locker room, they wanted him to help teach some of the young pass rushers. They want a good culture and he is a great guy and a great leader.”Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)The Bears were rumored to be interested in Mack given their need for defensive line talent. Plus reuniting with the star pass rusher would’ve been a nice throwback to his prime years in Chicago.As Rapoport explained, the Jeffery Simmons trade likely put an end to that possibility.“And then for the Chicago Bears, once they did the Jeffery Simmons deal, that was kind of it,” Rapoport added. “That was kind of the only draft pick compensation they were going to give up.”Ultimately, it looks like everything will work out well for the Bears without Mack. Remember, the Bears looked incredible in their first game with Simmons on the d-line.Meanwhile, the Chargers are spiraling at 0-8. It will be interesting to see if they regret not trading Mack when they had the chance.Related: Colts headline 3 biggest losers of 2026 NFL trade deadline after keeping Jonathan TaylorRelated: Where 2026 NFL trade deadline falls in league history