One of the biggest questions of the Los Angeles Chargers’ offseason is what will happen with Khalil Mack. The veteran defender just completed his 12th NFL season and is set to be a free agent this offseason. When the year ended for L.A., it was unclear if Mack would retire, return to the Chargers, or find a new team in free agency.
With March 11, the start of free agency, nearing, Los Angeles is starting to get some answers. It was reported on Monday that Mack plans to play in 2026. However, the elite edge defender is planning to explore all his options. So while L.A. would love to re-sign Mack, the team has to work for it.
Chargers’ Khalil Mack will play in 2026 but wants to explore all options
Mack, who recently turned 35 years old, has the luxury to explore free agency because he’s still playing at a productive level. The nine-time Pro Bowler appeared in just 12 games last season, but still recorded 5.5 sacks, 32 tackles, six tackles for a loss, and 11 quarterback hits. Mack was a key piece to a productive defensive line, so it makes sense that the Chargers will want to keep him around.
It may not be a simple task, though, considering all the factors that could play into Khalil Mack’s decision. First and foremost, money will be a factor; that’s always the case in the NFL.
Additionally, Chargers losing defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to the Baltimore Ravens could also be a factor for Mack — the veteran defender may be inclined to follow Minter to Baltimore. That would certainly give the veteran the opportunity to contend for a title, another likely factor that will go into his decision.
The Chargers can provide two of those things, money and and a contending team, but it’s no guarantee Mack will be back for his fifth year in Los Angeles.
Considering that Odafe Oweh is also set to enter free agency, the Chargers can’t afford to lose both edge defenders. The front office will try to work its magic and re-sign both guys, but L.A. will have its work cut out for itself once free agency starts.