The Los Angeles Chargers have brought Khalil Mack back for 2026, inking him to a one-year, $18 million contract extension. There's plenty of reason to be excited about that deal.
With a new defensive coordinator in Chris O'Leary coming into the organization, maintaining as much continuity as possible on that side of the ball must be paramount. There's not very many veterans in the league who are more well-respected than Mack. His return will be a major boon towards this effort.
Although Mack's production took a dip in 2025, he was still a vital piece of the Chargers defense. In tandem with Tuli Tuipulotu and Odafe Oweh, Mack helped form a highly disruptive pass rush.
But the Chargers learned a harsh lesson at the start of last season in trying to depend solely on Mack and Tuipulotu to pressure the quarterback. Mack's production alone isn't enough, and Los Angeles still has work to do this offseason as a result.
Chargers still need a capable third edge rusher, even if it's not Odafe Oweh
Over the past four seasons, Mack has consistently been one of Los Angeles's most vital players. Across 62 games with the team, he's amassed 36.5 sacks, 45 tackles for loss, and 60 QB hits. He earned Pro Bowl nominations in his first three seasons with the Chargers.
But last season, even taking into account the four weeks he missed with an arm injury towards the start of the campaign, it was clear he had lost a step. He failed to make the same impact upon opposing offenses on a down-to-down basis that he has been known for throughout his career. Through 12 games in 2025, Mack amassed just 5.5 sacks and 23 pressures, per Pro Football Reference.
Tuipulotu should continue to ascend in 2026. But with the limited depth they have behind this pairing, Los Angeles has little option but to add another edge rusher to complement Mack this offseason
Oweh would, of course, be the best choice. He was the piece that completed the Chargers' pass rush in 2025, totaling 7.5 sacks and 13 QB hits through just 12 games with the team. But his market could reach nearly $20 million annually this offseason. He will have suitors across the league.
If the Chargers aren't able to bring him back, it would be a painful pill to swallow. But no matter what, they must prove they learned their lesson in 2025. Even if it's not Oweh, Los Angeles must still add another capable pass rusher this offseason.