Khalil Mack's impending free agency is one of the biggest storylines around the LA Chargers this offseason. Mack is a free agent for the first time in his career and after a short retirement scare, fans are now optimistic Mack will run it back with the Bolts.
Just because Mack is returning to play in 2025 does not mean it will be for the Chargers. At this point in his career, the one thing Mack seems to prioritize above all else is winning. Mack could leave the Chargers if a team with a higher perceived chance of winning the Super Bowl offers him a fair contract.
As diverse as Mack's market is bound to be, the early suitors for the veteran edge rusher may be disappointing — which is a good thing for the Chargers. While there are bound to be more teams in on Mack, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler cited the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers as two teams in the market.
"The sense is Los Angeles will make efforts to re-sign Mack, who will play in 2025 after he said he needed to take time to mull his future following the season. The Chargers believe he embodies the spirit of the team's toughness," Fowler wrote. "But many teams will be lurking for potential pass-rush help, including — but not limited to — Atlanta and Carolina."
Khalil Mack's early free-agent suitors are perfect for the Chargers
Hat tip to Steven Haglund of The Guilty As Charged Podcast for bringing this to Chargers fans' attention. If Carolina and Atlanta end up being the top two externa suitors for Mack then chances are he will be returning to the Chargers in 2025.
Money is not an obstacle for the Chargers. Los Angeles has ample cap space this offseason and the ability to create even more by waiving or trading Joey Bosa. While the Chargers shouldn't overdo it with a pass rusher in his 30s, the team has the resources to go toe-to-toe with any team in a Mack bidding war.
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Plus, money genuinely does not seem to be the biggest factor for Mack this offseason. He obviously will still pursue a fair contract but he is in a position to take slightly less to sign with a team he actually has an interest in playing for.
The only thing that has alluded Mack in his NFL career is playoff success. Mack has never won a playoff game and that will likely be the driving force for his decision-making this offseason. Hate to break it to Falcons and Panthers fans, but neither team is even close to the level of contender the Chargers are.
The only real threat for the Chargers is if a top-tier contender is willing and able to pay Mack a similar salary to what the Chargers can offer. Carolina and Atlanta are not threats, regardless of how much cap space they have to use this offseason.
A lot can change but as it stands right now, Chargers fans have to feel confident in the team's ability to re-sign Khalil Mack this offseason.