The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles both went into the NFL trade deadline in desperate need of edge rusher help.

The Cowboys ultimately didn’t address their need on the edge, although they did add some extra juice up the middle with the Quinnen Williams trade.

The Eagles did come away with Jaelan Phillips in a trade with the Miami Dolphins before the deadline, although Phillips will be a free agent in 2026, so he isn’t guaranteed to be more than a rental.

With the future at the position looking murky for both teams, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox predicts the Eagles and the Cowboys will be suitors for Los Angeles Chargers star edge rusher Khalil Mack in free agency in 2026.

Knox projects Mack will garner a one-year, $16 million contract.

Chargers pass-rusher Khalil Mack will turn 35 in February and may only command one-year contracts for the rest of his playing career. However, he remains a legitimate difference-maker when healthy.

He missed time with a dislocated elbow early this season. However, he worked his way back onto the field and has logged eight tackles, three sacks and four quarterback hits in five games.

While Mack may not make his 10th Pro Bowl this season, he’s going to interest contenders in the offseason. He reached 17 sacks just two seasons ago.

Potential Suitors: Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles

Mack may not be the elite edge rusher he once was, but he’s still a big difference-maker, as evidenced by his three sacks and 12 pressures in just five games. Mack previously missed four contests due to an elbow injury.

Of course, Mack, 34, will be a free agent next season, but there’s no guarantee he’ll keep playing after he flirted with retirement following the 2024 campaign.

If Mack does continue playing in 2026 and doesn’t return to the Chargers, he’s going to be looking to join a team with a chance to win a Super Bowl, which immediately gives the Eagles a leg up over the Cowboys.

But that’s where things stand now and there’s a chance Dallas can finish this season strong enough to make itself more attractive to veteran free agents next offseason.

We wouldn’t bet on that, though.

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