Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz have both publicly affirmed their intention to retain Khalil Mack for the upcoming season. During a recent appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Harbaugh playfully encouraged Hortiz to “pay the man,” highlighting the team’s desire to secure Mack’s continued presence.
At the NFL Combine, Hortiz confirmed that negotiations with Mack are progressing. However, he also acknowledged the possibility that Mack may choose to explore his options in the free agent market, which opens in just over a week.
Bears and Buccs Interested in Khalil Mack. Can They Outbid Los Angeles Chargers?
Should Mack reach free agency, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has identified potential landing spots. In his recent article, Fowler highlights the Chicago Bears and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as teams that could express interest in acquiring the veteran edge rusher.
“Teams agree edge rusher Khalil Mack played lights out last season, and the only real concern with his free agency is age,” Fowler wrote. “A few people I’ve talked to have made potential connections to the Buccaneers and Bears. Tampa Bay typically doesn’t spend big on external free agents but is looking for pass-rush help.”
The Chicago Bears’ potential interest in Mack is readily apparent, given his prior four-season tenure with the team. During his time in Chicago, Mack earned three Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors, solidifying his reputation as a premier defensive player. As a team undergoing a rebuild, the Bears are expected to prioritize strengthening their defense this offseason.
The Bears are also working with an additional $10 million in cap space over the Chargers.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a consistent playoff contender, also emerge as a potential destination. The prospect of contributing to a team with established playoff success could be a significant factor in Mack’s decision-making process. The Buccs have just $8.1 million cap room, 10th least in the NFL.
Notably, Fowler’s report indicates that NFL teams continue to value Mack’s abilities, despite his age of 34. While his pass-rushing statistics in 2024 didn’t quite match his exceptional 2023 performance, he remained a dominant force in run defense. He still managed to generate 52 pass-rush pressures, record six sacks, and accumulate 26 run stops.
Mack will have ample time to weigh his options before the end of March. However, the longer he remains available in the free-agent market, the greater the likelihood that he will depart from the Chargers.
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