Khalil Mack Rumors: Chargers Expected to Eye New Contract; Falcons, Panthers Linked

Los Angeles Chargers veteran linebacker Khalil Mack committed to returning for the 2025 season after initially mulling retirement, and the team is reportedly hoping to avoid losing him in free agency.

On Wednesday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported, "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."

Perhaps the feeling is mutual, as Mack said earlier this month that he believed staying in Los Angeles would give him his best chance at winning if he continued his playing career.

"As long as Justin Herbert is your quarterback. You got [safety] Derwin James and all these guys that love the game of football. And Jim Harbaugh coaching?" Mack said on Jan. 12. "You know you always have a chance to win. Yeah, that's a no-brainer."

Despite the Chargers' interest in retaining Mack, Fowler noted that "many teams will be lurking for potential pass-rush help" and named the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers as possible landing spots for him.

An 11-year veteran and the 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Mack is one of the best linebackers of his generation. He appeared in 16 games in 2024 and totaled 39 tackles, six sacks, nine passes defended, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He had two sacks in Los Angeles' 32-12 loss to the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card Round.