The Chicago Bears have never once wavered in their belief that they got the best of the trade for Khalil Mack. This is a Hall of Fame type of player at a premier position who is still in his physical prime and should be for years to come provided he stays healthy. To get him, a 2nd round pick, and a 7th round pick back for two 1st round picks and a 6th round pick.
Since then the Raiders turned those two picks into running back Joshua Jacobs and cornerback Damon Arnette. Jacobs had a solid rookie year before ending it on injured reserve. Arnette came out of Ohio State with some red flags. Many had him going in the 2nd round or even later. So it’s hard to say what sort of impact those two will have. The Bears seem to like where they stand by comparison.
If that weren’t enough evidence that GM Ryan Pace did a good job for his team, one need only look at what happened today. The New York Jets sent All-Pro safety Jamal Adams to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for two 1st round picks, a 3rd round pick, and veteran safety Bradley McDougald. While nobody disputes Adams is among the best at his position, giving up that much for a box safety seems risky.
Khalil Mack trade looks positively cheap now
Keep in mind that not only did the Seahawks give up three high picks and a solid player for him. They’ll also likely end up paying $15 million per year or more to ensure he stays in Seattle long-term. Even at his absolute best, his impact just isn’t on the same level as Mack.
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In the past two years, Adams has 10 sacks, five forced fumbles, two interceptions, and 21 quarterback hits. By contrast, Mack has 21 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 32 quarterback hits. Remember that Adams was an All-Pro and Mack had an “off-year” in 2019. That is how different their positions are in terms of true impact.
The Seahawks got a great player, but they paid a lot for him. The Bears got a great player too. An even more valuable one and paid significantly less to get him.
