The LA Chargers fell short against the Houston Texans on Saturday in a game that will inevitably be the swan song for many on the roster. Perhaps the biggest of those potential departures is Khalil Mack, who looked like someone who had just played his last game with the Chargers after the final whistle blew.
The 33-year-old is an unrestricted free agent this offseason with a big decision ahead of him. While still one of the marquee names in football, for the first time in his career Mack did show signs of slowing down on the Chargers in 2024. He was still impactful, but he did not look like the same player who warrants an expensive contract.
Complicating matters for the Chargers is Joey Bosa's uncertain future. The Chargers could free up over $26 million by cutting/trading Bosa, who did not play up to his price tag in 2024. If the Chargers end up parting ways with Bosa then bringing back Mack, even at an elevated price, may become a necessity.
Nobody really knows what the future holds for the All-Pro edge rusher, including Mack himself. Mack expressed his uncertainty about his future to reporters on Sunday and even mentioned the possibility of retirement.
Khalil Mack, who is an unrestricted free agent, said he can’t say definitively what he’ll do this offseason.
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) January 12, 2025
Said he’s not sure if he wants to continue playing football but will decide with his family over the next few weeks. Said he doesn’t want to go out with a L.
Khalil Mack's future with the Chargers is as unclear as ever
In addition to not committing one way or another, Mack also said he does not have a timeline of when he will make his decision. The playoff loss is still very fresh for Mack, who rightfully needs more time to mull over his options.
If Mack were to call it a career he would go down as one of the best pass-rushers of this generation and would have a strong case for a trip to Canton. The only thing that has alluded him in his career, which could hurt his Hall of Fame case to some, is winning.
Despite all of his individual success, Mack has never won a playoff game in his career. Mack has been to the playoffs five times with his three different teams and has lost all five games.
If Mack decides to lace it up and give it another go in 2025 then it will undoubtedly be with a contending team. Even after Saturday's loss, the Chargers should still be considered a true contender with Justin Herbert, Jim Harbaugh, and a laundry list of assets to improve this offseason.
However, they are not a top-tier contender. If Mack is not getting top-line market value and has a similar offer from a team like the Detroit Lions or Baltimore Ravens, he may favor that over a return to Los Angeles.
Nobody know what Mack values most at his point other than Mack. But considering how much money he has made in his career, and how much he has succeeded on an individual level, team success really does appear to be the No. 1 factor.
Either way, the door is wide open for Mack to leave the Chargers this offseason. Whether it be with another contender, or with Mack sailing into the sunset, it currently seems more likely than not that he will not be a Charger in 2025.
Only time will tell.