The Los Angeles Chargers made a necessary move this offseason in bringing back veteran pass rusher Khalil Mack on a one-year, $18 million deal.
With Odafe Oweh departing to the Washington Commanders on a massive four-year, $100 million contract, the Chargers had almost no choice but to have Mack return. Although their need for a third pass rusher still remains, having Mack on the roster at least gives them two disruptive edge defenders for new defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary to utilize.
But the ultimate truth here must be acknowledged. Mack, at this point in his career, is simply a stop-gap at the position. Once the Chargers are able to extend Tuli Tuipulotu, they must turn their attention towards a succession plan for the 35-year-old Mack.
Whether that piece comes through the draft or an offseason trade, Los Angeles must have a clear plan moving forward. Mack's waning production (and his value relative to his contract) necessitates it.
Mack's one-year deal is solid, but the Chargers must think beyond it
In his recent list of every team's most overpaid player, Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon pegged Mack as a rapidly declining player— one who he believes is not worthy of the hefty number the Chargers devoted to him this offseason.
"The 35-year-old is back at a price of $18 million for 2026, which is extreme considering his limitations as an over-the-hill situational player who has been held to fewer than 10 sacks in six of his last seven campaigns."- Brad Gagnon
Let's be clear. "Over-the-hill situational player" is an exceedingly harsh assessment. What Mack earned this offseason was fair relative to his last contract. But Gagnon highlights a painful truth in placing Mack on this list.
Mack's production is declining, and the Chargers will need to reckon with that fact in the near future. He did miss five games due to injury in 2025, but it was clear he was somewhat limited even when he was active. He amassed just 5.5 sacks, 11 QB hits, and six tackles for loss.
Los Angeles' pass rush was successful precisely because they brought in another young, disruptive edge rusher in Oweh mid-season.
With the cap space Los Angeles has, they can afford to "overpay" for Mack in 2026. It's the cost of bringing a veteran leader of Mack's caliber back onto the roster.
But the reality is that Mack is declining, and the Chargers can't realistically expect star-caliber production out of him much longer. They have to find a young edge rusher to fill that void both now and into the future.