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.
Nine-time Pro-Bowl LB Khalil Mack, who said after the Chargers’ postseason loss to the Texans that he needed to take some time to mull his future, will indeed play in the 2025 season, per source. Mack’s contract is up and he is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent. pic.twitter.com/qa8WrbKiJY
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 22, 2025
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.
Social media had a lot to say about the news, with many wishing Mack to their teams.
Come home Khalil pic.twitter.com/IbrKqg8SG7
— Kyle Moose (@SwoleHalo) January 22, 2025
We must protect Khalil Mack’s Hall of Fame uniform career at all costs. https://t.co/Uhx2oJUcr8 pic.twitter.com/tvYBjNQFCh
— NFL Fashion Advice (@fashion_nfl) January 22, 2025
https://t.co/3OyL4uSCAY pic.twitter.com/MMacm4M7ZW
— Felipe Reis Aceti (@Aceti_Felipe) January 22, 2025
I want the 49ers to get younger…
But Mack has not missed a game in 3 years, and is *still* truly one of the best run defending edge players in the NFL who still has +pass rush juice. At minimum you have to check in on his price. https://t.co/F5HavvUAUx
— ATLNiner (@PapaStew80) January 22, 2025
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