NFL logo Nov 25, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; The NFL shield logo on the field at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

When the Los Angeles Chargers lost their Wild Card matchup to the Houston Texans, one Charger quickly pointed out the uncertainty of his NFL future.

Speaking to the media the day after the loss, linebacker Khalil Mack told reporters he would take some time to sit down with his family and discuss what was next.

Mack has made his decision. On Wednesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the standout pass-rusher will return next season.

As Schefter notes, Mack is set to be a free agent. This will mark the first time he’s reached free agency in his career.

Mack spent his first four professional seasons with the Oakland Raiders. He was named to the All-Pro First Team thrice. Mack also became the second Raider to win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, which he did in 2016.

Days before the 2018 regular season began, Oakland traded Mack to the Chicago Bears. Mack was with the Bears through the 2021 season. He nabbed another All-Pro First Team appearance and finished second in the 2018 Defensive Player of the Year voting.

Following the 2021 season, the Bears traded Mack to the Chargers. Mack’s time in Los Angeles will be remembered for a standout second season. He recorded a career-high 17 sacks in 2023 and was named a Pro Bowler in all three seasons.