Jerry Markarian· Oct 14, 2026
Markarian argues the Bears should trade for Khalil Mack, predicting Mack would immediately become Chicago's top edge rusher, wouldn't play against Atlanta but could contribute in Week 7 versus New England, and that the Bears will cut Montez Sweat next offseason to save $21 million.
“Khalil Mack would instantly be their top edge-rushing threat”
published in writing · Sports Illustrated · read the original →
4 checkable claims — 1 availability call, 1 contract call, 1 depth chart call and 1 trade and signing call — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing call.
It names 3 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
None of them have settled yet — they grade once their results are in.
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Who this take is about
4 checkable claims in this take
Each one is scored on its own against the published methodology. A pundit naming several outcomes is graded on each, not on all-or-nothing.
- Availability CallsKhalil MackChicago BearsOct 14, 2026
“Mack probably wouldn't play against Atlanta if they were to pull off a move in the coming days”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Contract CallsKhalil MackOct 14, 2026
Khalil Mack: “He'll conceivably command the same, if not a bit less, next offseason”
“Meanwhile, Mack is playing out a one-year, $18 million deal. He'll conceivably command the same, if not a bit less, next offseason.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Trade and Signing CallsMontez SweatOct 14, 2026
Montez Sweat to move — “cutting ties with him next offseason”
“Chicago would save $21 million by cutting ties with him next offseason.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsKhalil MackChicago BearsOct 14, 2026
Khalil Mack to be 1st on the depth chart
“Khalil Mack would instantly be their top edge-rushing threat”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
What others said about the same people
- Bill HuberScore Predictions · Chicago BearsMiss · 17Huber picks the Bears to beat the Packers in Green Bay, predicting a close game in which Chicago pulls away late for a 31-21 win.
- Jacob WestendorfScore Predictions · Chicago BearsMiss · 33Westendorf also picks Chicago, saying the mistake-prone Packers will lose a third straight game to the Bears, 34-17.
- Pete MartuneacScore Predictions · Chicago BearsMiss · 36Martuneac predicts the Bears dominate the Packers in Week 5, winning 31-13, with Tyson Bagent starting in place of a sidelined Caleb Williams and D'Andre Swift rushing for 120 yards.
- TJ StarmanScore Predictions · Chicago BearsMiss · 2Sees the Bears taking a fairly close game, 24-20.
- Lester A. Wiltfong Jr.Score Predictions · Chicago BearsMiss · 19Predicts the Bears beat the Packers 28-17 behind their running game.
- Gary Baugher Jr.Score Predictions · Chicago BearsMiss · 26Predicts a Bears win by at least two scores, 27-13.
More depth chart calls
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
- Jordan DajaniDepth Chart Calls · Drew KendallMiss · 0Dajani expects Cam Jurgens to move back to center as the Ravens' starter after the trade, and projects a rebuilt Eagles offensive line for Week 5 with Jordan Mailata, Willie Lampkin, Drew Kendall, Tyler Steen and Markel Bell starting from left tackle to right tackle.
- Donnie DruinDepth Chart Calls · Jacoby BrissettHit · 100Druin writes that despite the 1-3 start and a three-interception game, Jacoby Brissett will stay Arizona's starting quarterback heading into the Week 5 game against Detroit, with Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck remaining behind him.
- Josh AlperDepth Chart Calls · Olaivavega IoaneHit · 100Alper writes that Cam Jurgens, acquired by trade and in the concussion protocol, won't debut for Baltimore until the following week, leaving Vega Ioane as the likeliest starter at center against the Falcons before sliding back to right guard once Jurgens is available.
- John BreechDepth Chart Calls · Jameis WinstonHit · 100Breech picked the Eagles to beat the Bears 23-16 on Monday night, and expected Jameis Winston to start at quarterback for the Giants in Week 4 against Arizona while newly acquired J.J. McCarthy gets up to speed.
- Chris RolingDepth Chart Calls · Drew LockMiss · 0Roling expects Sam Darnold's hip injury to keep him out, meaning Drew Lock will be Seattle's quarterback when the Chargers visit in Week 4.
- Christian BooherDepth Chart Calls · Blake MillerMiss · 0Booher lays out the Lions' projected depth chart for their Week 4 game at Carolina, naming starters, backups and reserves at every position, and suggests safety Bishop Fitzgerald could make his debut.