Just ahead of free agency, former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack reached agreement today on a one-year, fully-guaranteed $18 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, per sources. Chargers get back their pass-rush standout. pic.twitter.com/R6M3toh3zF
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2025
Mack was set to hit unrestricted free agency today, but the Chargers snuck this deal in just before the legal tampering window opened.
Mack's production has ebbed and flowed over his career, but he remains a consistently effective and disruptive veteran edge rusher, even at 34 years old. His 6.0 sacks and six tackles for loss in 2024 seem like steep drops from his 17.0/21 campaign of 2023, but that's just the nature of the position. He earned a 90.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus last year, so there should be little doubt he remains elite at his position.
Considering the quality of play Mack still puts on the field, $18 million for a single year is a significant bargain for the Chargers. He falls well short of the top 10 in annual average for edge rushers. The brevity of the deal also protects the Chargers in case Mack's age suddenly catches up with him.
It's possible Mack could have earned a little bit more money if he allowed himself to hit free agency, but he's wise to stick with Chargers. He returns as a key component of a defense that finished first in points allowed in 2024, and he should have a chance to compete for an elusive Super Bowl ring in 2025. Plus, Mack has already played for three different teams in his long NFL career. It's time to finally lay some roots down with a franchise.
Photo Credit: © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
.jpg)
