While all eyes have now been trained on trading for Myles Garrett, Khalil Mack, a former Defensive Player of the Year and one of the most impactful pass rushers in the NFL, is set to become a free agent after three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Speculation arose regarding Mack’s potential retirement following his 11th season in the league. However, the veteran pass rusher quickly dismissed such rumors, confirming his intention to continue his playing career. Mack’s decision to continue playing has generated significant eyebrow raises from teams across the league.
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A perennial Pro Bowler and one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL, Mack ranks seventh among active players with 107.5 career sacks, placing him 45th on the all-time NFL sack list. While his 2024 season saw a slight dip in production with six sacks, Mack demonstrated his continued dominance in 2023, recording an impressive 17 sacks. Beyond his pass-rushing prowess, Mack has established himself as a complete defensive force, excelling as both a pass rusher and a run defender.
Los Angeles Chargers most likely to sign Khalil Mack

In a recent article for The Athletic, Daniel Popper explored potential landing spots for free-agent pass rusher Khalil Mack. Based on his analysis, Popper concluded that a return to the Los Angeles Chargers represents the most ideal scenario for the veteran defensive end.
“Mack should test the market to see what is out there,” Popper wrote. “But I think the Chargers will be in the driver’s seat as far as potential landing spots. Mack was not as productive in 2024 as he was during his 17-sack season in 2023. He battled dual groin strains over the second half of the season, and that affected his play. Even as he enters his age 34 season, Mack is still an impactful player.”
Chargers would likely welcome the opportunity to re-sign Khalil Mack this offseason. Given their recent playoff appearance and the team’s competitive window, a reunion with Mack would be mutually beneficial.
In his post-season press conference Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh expressed a significant desire to re-sign Mack, above the rest of the pending free agents; “I don’t know if it’s possible to get everybody back, but I wanna get as darn close as possible … and nobody more than Khalil Mack.”
Mack’s return would provide a significant boost to the Chargers’ defensive line and enhance their chances of contending for a Super Bowl title. The opportunity to remain with a familiar team and continue his pursuit of a championship ring could be a compelling factor for Mack as he considers his options.