It was back in 2018 when the then Oakland Raiders traded superstar outside linebacker Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears for a pair of first-round selections.

Bears. Fast forward three years later, and apparently Las Vegas hit up Chicago in an attempt to try and reacquire Mack.

Via Vic Tafur of The Athletic, the Raiders dialed up the Bears this offseason to try and trade back for Mack but, Chicago wasn't having any of it.

The Raiders have had a glaring need for a proven pass rusher since trading Mack to the Chicago Bears nearly three years ago and when free agency opened in March, they targeted and planned to sign Yannick Ngakoue.

But before they did, they made a phone call, league sources said.

Would the Bears be interested at all in trading Mack back to the Raiders?

The Bears had significant salary-cap issues — which forced them to release All-Pro cornerback Kyle Fuller and restructure several contracts — and the Raiders thought it was worth a shot. The Bears were not interested, sources said.

What a “tail tucked between the legs” move and an admirable one at that by the Raiders. Calling up Chicago just three years after trading them Mack to ask for him back takes guts while putting aside ego and it's actually refreshing to see.

Unfortunately for the Raiders, the Bears weren't interested.

Mack is entering his age 30 season and won't be a free agent until 2025.

The Raiders are trying to take the next step and get back to postseason with Derek Carr leading the way. The Bears are trying to figure out what they have in rookie quarterback Justin Fields while navigating the Andy Dalton signing as well.