Just under two weeks ago when the Los Angeles Chargers were eliminated on Wild Card Weekend, questions began looming over one particular player's future.
After the Chargers were knocked out of the playoffs by the Houston Texans, former All Pro pass rusher Khalil Mack knew he'd be getting questions about the coming offseason. After all, his contract is now expired and he could be set to enter free agency.
However, Mack was also mulling retirement. There was no guarantee he'd be back in the NFL after the 2024 season.
Would the 9-time Pro Bowler really call it quits on an illustrious career?
Mack is set to turn 34 years old next month, but he's remained in good shape since coming to L.A. In three seasons with the Chargers, Mack has only missed one game. And, even though he's coming off a season which he tallied just 6.0 sacks, he showed he can still play and be an effective part of an NFL defense.
As it turns out, Mack seems to believe that, too.
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Mack has decided to play in 2025.
Khalil Mack's first choice in 2025 appears to be the Chargers
In his comments after the playoff loss earlier this month, Mack also said he believes his best chance to win is with the Chargers, should he continue playing.
"As long as Justin Herbert is your quarterback. You got [safety] Derwin James and all these guys that love the game of football. And Jim Harbaugh coaching? You know you always have a chance to win. Yeah, that's a no-brainer," he said the day after the loss.
What will likely be different about a new contract between Mack and the Chargers is the money. At this point, he isn't going to be making the big money he did on his last deal. And, that's a big advantage for L.A.
If this team is able to re-sign Mack to a team-friendly deal and run it back with the same core while adding necessary pieces this offseason, there's no reason why they cannot be right back in the thick of the playoffs in 2026.
It's Year 2 of Harbaugh and Herbert working together. They're undoubtedly going to get more weapons for the offense while patching a few other holes.
If Mack is playing in 2025 and he still believes Los Angeles is his best shot, then let's see a deal get done.