The decision-makers on the LA Chargers have not been shy about their desire to re-sign Khalil Mack this offseason. Heck, general manager Joe Hortiz doubled down on the Chargers' stance during the NFL Combine, heaping massive praise on Mack during an interview with CBS Sports.
If that wasn't enough, head coach Jim Harbaugh made sure to send an even clearer message both to Mack and Hortiz. Harbaugh has already expressed his desire to re-sign Mack and is now putting on a full-court press ahead of NFL free agency.
During an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" at the NFL Combine, Harbaugh didn't just confirm he wants the team to re-sign Mack. He openly told Hortiz to, "pay the man" while Hortiz sat right next to him on set.
"Pay Khalil Mack Joe" 😂😂 ~ @CoachJim4UM #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/gCVCBS6rbe
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 26, 2025
Jim Harbaugh tells Chargers GM Joe Hortiz to pay Khalil Mack
If Harbaugh's desires were not clear before he made them abundantly clear in this interview. Harbaugh wants Mack back in the locker room next season and is willing to publicly tell his GM to pay him in free agency.
This is as great for Chargers fans as it is for Mack. For fans, seeing this kind of commitment to re-signing a key player is a indication it will happen. Granted, Mack has the final say, but it is clear the Bolts will do everything they can to bring him back.
If Mack doesn't return it won't be because the Chargers didn't give it everything they have. That's for sure.
For Mack, these public demands from Harbaugh only increase his value in free agency. Whether he realized it or not, Harbaugh just gave Mack and his agent even more leverage in contract discussions. It is a lot easier to talk up the price of a contract when you have a public demand from the head coach in your back pocket.
Harbaugh likely doesn't care if he just forced the Chargers to pay a slightly higher price tag for Mack. Mack has had an undeniable impact on the Chargers not just on the field, but as a locker-room leader as well. Having Mack in that locker room is a massive key for Harbaugh as he continues to build the culture in LA.
The biggest variable here is what this might mean for Joey Bosa. Despite being a prime cut candidate, Hortiz expressed his desire to help Bosa retire a Charger. But if Mack signs for $25 million, are the Chargers really going to be comfortable paying two edge rushers a combined $60 million in 2025?
That is a question that Hortiz and the Chargers' front office need to answer. We already know what Harbaugh's answer would be.