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Return of the Mack: Khalil u-turn will see him suit up in 2025

The veteran pass rusher was mulling retirement following the Los Angeles Chargers first round exit from the playoffs, but Khalil Mack has made a decision.

The veteran pass rusher was mulling retirement following the Los Angeles Chargers first round exit from the playoffs, but Khalil Mack has made a decision.
Ron ChenoyUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

The Los Angeles Chargers were dealt an early exit in the first round of the playoffs, and could be on the verge of losing the heart and soul of their defense. After taking the necessary time to ponder his future, Khalil Mack has decided to return to the NFL for at least another year, but he may not be staying in LA.

Mack to explore market

Adam Schefter reported that a source close to Mack revealed the nine-time Pro Bowler will be returning to the league for a 12th season. He may return to the Chargers, but the 33 year old is an unrestricted free agent so he will explore the market while evaluating the best fit, both financially and competitively.

Mack came into the league as a top five pick after making headlines at the University of Buffalo. He was selected by the Oakland Raiders and immediately became the anchor of that defense. Since then he has been selected to the NFL first-team four times and been named to the Pro Bowl in every year except two, including this past season. The highlight of his career came in 2016 when he was named the Defensive Player of the Year, but his teams have struggled in the postseason.

The All-Pro linebacker has been to the playoffs in five of his eleven seasons, but he has never won a post season game. At the end of a players career they have to value what is most important to them, the pay check or the chance to win a Super Bowl and that is what Mack will be evaluating over the coming months.

Chargers quick rebuild under Harbaugh

This past year the Los Angeles Chargers underwent a drastic makeover under new head coach Jim Harbaugh. The former Michigan man came to Sofi Stadium looking to revamp the offense led by Justin Herbert, but instead it was the defense that led the Chargers to the playoffs.

The Chargers led the league in least points allowed giving up just 17.7 points a game. Mack was at the heart of that defense, ending the season with 39 tackles, six sacks and two forced fumbles as LA ended the regular season with the top Wild Card spot in the AFC. He was explicit in his intentions to keep the four time NFL first teamer, saying “I don’t know if it’s possible to get everybody back, but I wanna get as darn close as possible … and nobody more than Khalil Mack.”

There is something building in LA under Harbaugh, and the head coach will be looking to keep the veteran pass rusher on board for one more season. Mack will take some time and enjoy the offseason until the Free Agent Market opens on March 12th.

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