Khalil Mack, Chargers
Getty
Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Khalil Mack.
Several of the most prominent NFL analysts currently working have linked the Chicago Bears to a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders for star edge-rusher Maxx Crosby for a reason — the same reason the franchise could bring in a familiar face on a short-term contract if a deal for Crosby fails to materialize.
Chicago is desperate for an upgrade to its pass rush. Khalil Mack, now 35 years old, is a free agent this month after playing for the Los Angeles Chargers last season on an $18 million contract. Spotrac projects that Mack will command roughly the same amount ($18.4 million) on a new one-year deal this spring.
The Bears inarguably want a longterm solution at the position, but even the acquisition of Crosby would be a somewhat precarious answer to that roster gap given his age (29 years old in August) and his recent history of injury (seven missed games over the past two years combined). Inking defensive end Trey Hendrickson, 31, to an expensive deal in free agency is even more perilous after injuries cost him 10 contests last season.
Chicago doesn’t pick until No. 25 in the first round, which is a far more ideal position to address the defense’s needs on the interior of the line, thus leaving the defensive end/outside linebacker deficiency unaddressed, or perhaps filled with a less adequate option than the team desires.
Mack, who played four seasons with the Bears (2018-21), may be on the move out of Southern California this month, and a return to the Windy City could prove beneficial for all parties involved.
Reasonable Chance Khalil Mack Becomes Free Agent in March
Khalil Mack
GettyPass-rusher Khalil Mack of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Dan Graziano of ESPN detailed the Chargers’ situation at edge-rusher on Sunday, March 1, reaching the conclusion that L.A. might let the nine-time Pro Bowler walk in free agency, even if the franchise prefers not to do so.
“The Chargers have a pair of free agent edge-rushers in Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack,” Graziano wrote. “They’d like to have them back, but they recognize that there’s good depth in free agency and the draft this offseason at edge-rusher. They feel they’d be in good position to replace them if they left.”
Late last week, Aaron Schatz of ESPN authored a pitch for the Detroit Lions to ink Mack to a one-year deal.
“The Lions’ top need is finding pass-rush help for Aidan Hutchinson. So why not aim for an established veteran at that position? Despite sitting out five games in 2025 because of an elbow injury, Mack still finished with 5.5 sacks and 28 pressures,” Schatz wrote. “Detroit isn’t swimming in cap space, but it should be able to convince Mack to take a pay cut so he can chase a Super Bowl ring.”
One can apply the exact same logic to Mack joining the Bears, who may be able to pay him a bit more than Detroit can and who won the NFC North Division and a playoff game more recently than the Lions (both coming in January).
Bears Need to Add Help Across From Defensive End Montez Sweat This Offseason
Montez Sweat
GettyChicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat.
The Bears can pursue younger options in free agency, like Oweh and Jaelan Phillips, if they like them as longer-term answers alongside defensive end Montez Sweat.
But analysts predict the 2027 draft to potentially be an elite class across the board. Thus, Chicago could decide that waiting one year for a more permanent solution on a rookie-scale contract that the team would control for four-five years is the better move — even if its success next season means forfeiting some draft capital to trade up for the right player.
In that scenario, and barring a Crosby trade or the free-agent signing of some other capable pass-rusher, a one-year deal for Mack could prove the spark the Bears’ defense needs to get on a better track next season than the one that saw it finish 29th as a unit in the NFL in 2025.
Mack tallied 36 sacks and 35 tackles for loss across 53 games played in Chicago.