Despite the mileage on his wheels, Khalil Mack remains perhaps the best short-term edge rusher available in free agency.
Now 34, the 11-year pro’s 90.4 PFF grade last season ranked 5th of 211 at his position. Despite recording just 6 sacks, tying the lowest of his career as a non-rookie, he was still a threat in the pass rush and a beast in the ground game. Just two years ago, he sacked a career-best 17 QBs.
While Mack is no longer a game-wrecker the likes of Myles Garrett or Maxx Crosby, he has plenty of juice left. Depending on how the trade market unfolds, more than a few contenders with a little cash and a need, including the Green Bay Packers, should at least consider his services on a one- or two-year deal to get them over the hump and into a Super Bowl.
Based on a highlight video the Chicago Bears dropped on Friday, they might be eyeing him too.
Green Bay Packers, Khalil Mack, Chicago Bears
Dec 14, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell (4) throws under pressure from Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) in the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Khalil Mack Back to Chicago Bears?
During Mack’s stay in Chicago, from 2018-2021, the Bears reached the playoffs twice, their only postseason appearances since 2010. Mack registered 36 sacks in 53 games. Before the 2022 season he was traded to the Chargers, where he has spent the last three years.
Long in the tooth, gray in the beard, and still endowed with massive strength, one of the generation’s greats is on the prowl for his next new home. A return to Chicago would certainly present the cinematic option, but it isn’t the only one.
Crosby just signed an extension in Las Vegas. Myles Garrett will be expensive and is not guaranteed to move. For the Packers, Mack could be a bridge-gap stud on a frontline defense in need of an explosive pass rusher.
Green Bay Packers, Khalil Mack
Jan 7, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Blaine Gabbert (9) throws a pass as Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) pressures him during the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Rashan Gary is solid at defensive end, but his 7.5 sacks tied for 36th in the NFL and led the team–not exactly a good thing. Mack might not give you more than that, but the unit could use a boost.
The Bears have an even greater need for some punch upfront. Overpaid for his production, DE Montez Sweat paced all Chicago pass rushers with 5.5 sacks. His 79th-ranked PFF grade fell well short of the elder statesman’s mark.
Bears fans are excited about the possibility of a second act for Mack in Chicago. They couldn’t help but wonder whether his numerous appearances in the team’s latest hype video were supposed to supply a hint.
Oct 17, 2021; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Khalil Mack (52) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the first quarter of their game Sunday, October 17, 2021 at Solider Field in Chicago, Ill. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-Imagn Images
Oct 17, 2021; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Khalil Mack (52) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the first quarter of their game Sunday, October 17, 2021 at Solider Field in Chicago, Ill. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
“TIMEOUT”: Bears Fans Want Answers After Vid Ripe with Promise
Deal in the works or not, Chicago’s social media team knew what they were doing. “Leave your legacy,” the caption reads. Not suggestive at all, alongside clips of a former Bear and potential Hall of Famer nearing the end of his career.
Leave your legacy. pic.twitter.com/DCJ2GiFn5e
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) March 7, 2025
Fans quickly took the bait.
Well, uh, damn, that’s an unusual amount of Khalil Mack highlights. 🤷🏿♂️
— Ray (@realray_young21) March 7, 2025
👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/MiwgzmTY2H
— Windy City Sports Cards (@312SportsCards1) March 7, 2025
Are you trying to tell us something?
— Northern City (@TheNorthernCity) March 7, 2025
Mack Reunion!?
— Optimistic Bears Fan (@scuccimane_) March 7, 2025
TIMEOUT.
Why was Khalil Mack featured the most in this video? 🤔
Want to tell us something, Bears? https://t.co/3kiKn4tDQy
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) March 7, 2025
Ok, so it’s not like Mack was the only Bears defender featured. Brian Urlacher got a cameo, as did Jabrill Peppers. That said, Mack may have enjoyed more than his share of screen time. Posting the video five days before free agency kicks off was an intriguing choice of timing, to say the least.
Whoever ends up with Mack may very well come down to contract he theis looking for. Before last season, the Chargers signed him to a one-year deal with $19M guaranteed and sustained a $25.6M cap hit. Proven pass rushers are expensive, but last year’s paycheck came off a career-high in sacks. After a solid but unextraordinary campaign, asking for similar money or more than a couple of years could limit his options.
We’ll see. Will we see him in a Bears jersey? Plenty of fans seem to hope so.
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