Khalil Mack has clearly cemented himself as a staple in the Chargers’ locker room from both a leadership and on-field standpoint. The 12-year NFL veteran may have lost a step, and yes, it might be just a single step because Mack has still shown flashes of dominance even at this stage of his career.
Still, the Chargers, Joe Hortiz, and defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary should all be looking for the edge rusher to return this offseason.
However, in the twilight of his career, Mack could be weighing retirement or, perhaps worse for Chargers fans, a move to a team he views as offering a better chance at achieving his ultimate goal: a Super Bowl championship.
Khalil Mack would be a great fit with the NFC North's contenders
The NFC North features three teams that would all be viable landing spots for Mack this upcoming season. The Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, and, to a slightly lesser extent, the Green Bay Packers. Each have the type of roster that could justify adding a veteran presence like Mack to push them into true Super Bowl contention.
For Detroit, pairing Mack opposite star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson would immediately create a formidable one-two punch. The Lions would gain not only additional pass-rushing prowess but also an upgrade against the run.
Think back to Detroit’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. Does a player like Khalil Mack make enough of a difference to swing that game and stop a Steelers rushing onslaught? It is a fair question.
The Lions should feel that their championship window is open right now, but it will not stay that way forever. Adding a player like Mack could be beneficial for both sides. As a bonus, Mack would get to play indoors for half the season, avoiding some of the Michigan cold. It may not beat the sunshine of Los Angeles, but the indoor stadium is at least a small consolation.
A familiar destination in the Chicago Bears could present a reunion that makes sense for both sides. Before being traded to Los Angeles, Mack was a dominant force in Chicago, even if the team never fully capitalized on his presence.
The 2026 Bears are not the same organization. Caleb Williams has superstar potential, and the front office appears stable.
If Chicago believes it is ready to compete, adding Mack to a defense that still needs difference-makers could be a logical step. The emotional pull of returning to a former team, combined with a legitimate competitive outlook, might make this an option worth exploring for Mack.
Green Bay offers a similar football argument. Put Mack opposite Micah Parsons and opposing offensive coordinators would be forced to account for elite edge pressure on every snap. The Packers are a historic franchise with a high ceiling, much like the Lions and Bears. Mack could be the veteran addition that elevates an already solid defense into something more dangerous.
The cold Wisconsin winters may not be ideal, but from a pure football standpoint, the fit is easy to justify.
Ultimately, the Chargers should do everything in their power to retain Khalil Mack on a deal that works for both sides. He is respected by coaches, players, and fans, and he can still provide a spark in crucial moments. But it would not be shocking if Mack seriously considers joining a contender emerging from the NFC North.