It's happening. Khalil Mack, a vital piece of the Los Angeles Chargers' pass rush, is officially returning to play in 2026.
The caveat is that he openly declared he will explore all of his options in free agency, leaving the door open for him to exit Los Angeles as he nears the end of his career. This is a frightening development.
Although Mack's production took a dip in 2025, he complemented Tuli Tuipulotu and Odafe Oweh perfectly. He routinely created disruption along opposing offensive lines. If the Chargers can bring him back for 2026, they would jump at the opportunity.
But there are a number of teams in need of pass rushers who would give quite a bit to add Mack to their roster. As he enters his age 35 season, Mack still has value on the open market. He's likely to earn a one-year contract in the $12-$15 million range.
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement on a league-wide level, however. Chargers fans can rest assured that the most likely outcome is Mack's return to Los Angeles.
Khalil Mack will likely be back with the Chargers next season
As free agency approaches, everyone's attention will be fixed on players finding new homes. It's only a natural development of the excitement the offseason brings.
For example, in Sports Illustrated's recent roundup of ideal destinations for this offseason's free agents, Mack was tied to three teams in need of a pass rusher: the Chicago Bears, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Detroit Lions. Notably, the Chargers were not on this list.
But think about it from Mack's perspective. He's made it clear he wants to compete for a Super Bowl, and he has an established place on a team with a chance for a major turnaround in 2025.
Per Daniel Popper of The Athletic, the prevailing sense at the NFL Scouting Combine was that Mack would return to Los Angeles for 2026.
"He could retire. He could make a bigger salary elsewhere. But at this stage, winning is the priority for Mack, and the Chargers present a very good opportunity to do so. He believes in quarterback Justin Herbert and Harbaugh. He likes living in L.A."Daniel Popper
Of course it's a different story if the Chargers re-sign both Odafe Oweh and Zion Johnson, leaving them little financial flexibility to bring Mack back. But it seems logical that they would let Johnson walk if his market reaches the $20 million annual figure that's been floated.
Mack's most likely destination for 2026, therefore, is right where he started. Remember that as rumors abound over the coming weeks.