Could the Chargers provide a bolt for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023?
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders have work to do in terms of their roster, but could a divisional rival provide help in an area of need this offseason?
The 2023 offseason is a huge one for the Las Vegas Raiders, coming off a disappointing six-win season, and serious question marks on both sides of the ball. For the first time in a long time, they have no clear answer at the quarterback position, and that is just the start of the problems on this roster.
On both offense and defense, the Silver and Black need help in a big way, especially if they hope to keep pace with the rest of the division in 2023. The Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl last season, and the Los Angeles Chargers made the playoffs, while Sean Payton arrives in Denver to clean up that mess.
Staying within the AFC West, one team could provide a big spark to the Raiders’ defense if they decide to move on from one of their stars this offseason.
Raiders should look to bring back Khalil Mack in free agency
During his time with the Raiders franchise, Khalil Mack was everything you could have hoped for in a homegrown talent. Selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of the University of Buffalo, Mack instantly became a star, finishing third in the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
From there, Mack’s star continued to shine bright in the Silver and Black, as he was named an All-Pro in Year 2 and would go on to win the league’s Defensive Player of the Year honor in 2016. Unfortunately, Mack’s tenure ended with the arrival of Jon Gruden, but could a reunion be in the cards this offseason?
Mack’s contract is a big one, and the Chargers are currently in cap hell, making him a prime cut candidate. With the Raiders, Mack was very close with Derek Carr, but if he wants to return to the team that he started with, much like Charles Woodson did, Carr being gone should not impact that at all.
Mack also fills a need on this Raiders’ defense, as he can play linebacker, but also come down and put his hand in the dirt, taking some of the pressure off of Maxx Crosby. If the price is right, this could be a perfect fit for the Silver and Black this off-season.