The 2018 Khalil Mack Trade: Chicago Paid Two First-Rounders and Got an Immediate All-Pro
Chicago acquired Khalil Mack plus later picks for a package led by two first-round selections. Mack transformed the defense immediately and powered a 12-win season.
Chicago Bears Received
- pick Khalil Mack, 2020 2nd round pick (43rd overall, Cole Kmet) and 2020 7th round pick (226th overall, Arlington Hambright)
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- pick 2019 1st round pick (24th overall, Josh Jacobs), 2019 6th round pick (196th overall subsequently traded, Blessuan Austin), 2020 1st round pick (19th overall, Damon Arnette) and 2020 3rd round pick (81st overall, Bryan Edwards )
Trade Summary
Chicago's trade for Khalil Mack gave the Bears an instant superstar and briefly turned their defense into one of the league's defining units. The Raiders received a major draft package, but the return never matched the value of an elite pass rusher in his prime. Chicago paid heavily, yet still acquired the best player. The deal remains a strong Bears win because Mack delivered superstar impact immediately, even if Chicago did not turn the window into a championship.
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Chicago acquired Khalil Mack from Oakland immediately before the 2018 season. The Bears sent a package that included first-round picks in 2019 and 2020, along with additional draft selections, while receiving Mack and later-round picks from the Raiders.
Why Chicago Accepted the Draft Cost
The Bears believed they had a young quarterback on a rookie contract and a defense capable of becoming elite. Mack was already one of the league's premier edge defenders, so Chicago chose proven star power over preserving future first-round flexibility.
The immediate return was enormous. Mack became a first-team All-Pro in his first Bears season, and Chicago finished 12-4 with one of the league's best defenses. His pass rush, forced turnovers and ability to change protections gave the unit a true centerpiece.
What the Raiders Received
Oakland converted Mack into a broad draft package. The most notable direct first-round selections became running back Josh Jacobs and defensive back Damon Arnette, while other picks produced additional contributors. Jacobs developed into a high-level runner, giving the Raiders meaningful value from the transaction.
The second first-round conversion did not provide comparable impact, and the total package never produced a player who affected games at Mack's 2018 level.
Why Chicago Still Wins Despite the Price
Two first-round selections are a serious cost, and the Bears did not turn the Mack era into a deep championship run. That limits how high their grade should climb. The acquisition nevertheless delivered exactly what Chicago was buying: an elite defender in his prime who immediately elevated the team.
Chicago later traded Mack to the Chargers in 2022, recovering additional draft value after four seasons.
Final Verdict
Chicago wins. The Raiders received substantial capital and found a strong player in Jacobs, but the Bears acquired a proven superstar who delivered immediate All-Pro production and helped create their best season in years. The lack of a championship narrows the margin, yet the realized value still favors Chicago.