Tag: Khalil Mack

2025 NFL Free Agency: Projected value of Khalil Mack’s next contract

Los Angeles #Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack is set to become a free agent in 2025. Here’s how much he could earn in his next contract.

All-Pro linebacker Khalil Mack is set to become a free agent in 2025 after two years with the Los Angeles Chargers. If Mack signs an extension with the team, what could his potential new contract be worth should he remain in Los Angeles?

Mack has been a solid contributor to the Chargers defense and they will unquestionably make him an offer for at least another year. It is not likely to be a contract longer than a year or two given Mack could be retiring soon, entering his 11th year in the NFL in 2025.

In 2024 he was on a one-year deal with Los Angeles for $19,200,000. He earned a $17,745,000 signing bonus and a base salary of $1,255,000.

With their interest in keeping him on the roster, it seems likely they will offer a similar contract when negotiating an extension.

Heading into 2025, Sportrac estimates that Mack can expect to earn around $23,600,000 per year on his next contract, if he elects to enter free agency this spring.

Chargers expected to make efforts to re-sign Khalil Mack, 2 teams linked to him

Khalil Mack made it clear that he will play in 2025, but for which team remains to be seen.

The Chargers head into free agency with a handful of their own players whose contracts are up, most notably edge defender Khalil Mack.

Earlier this month, Mack said he would take time to figure out his future. Despite considering retirement, he made it clear he will play in 2025.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Los Angeles is expected to make efforts to re-sign Mack, adding that the team embodies the spirit of the team’s toughness.

However, it won’t be done without a fight. Other teams, including the Panthers and Falcons, who are in the market for pass-rush help, are expected to make offers to the veteran.

Mack is coming off another great season, playing like he’s younger than his age (33). He finished first in quarterback pressures (54) and second in sacks (6). Mack also had the second-highest PFF run defense grade among edge rushers (88.0).

PFF projects Mack’s contract to be for two years worth $22.5 million per year with $40 million guaranteed.

Luckily, the Chargers are in excellent shape to bring back Mack as they are projected to have $63.05 available in cap space, with potentially more if they choose to move from some players.

Chargers boost pass rush in latest PFF mock draft

The Chargers could address the edge defender position early in this year’s draft.

The Chargers could revamp their edge defender group this offseason, with Khalil Mack’s contract expiring and Joey Bosa’s injuries still being an ongoing issue.

Los Angeles could address the positional room early in this year’s draft, which is how Pro Football Focus sees it in their latest projections with the selection of Marshall EDGE Mike Green at No. 22 overall.

Green would inject some youth into the Chargers’ edge room and is the only edge defender in college football over the past two years who earned 90.0-plus PFF grades as a pass-rusher and a run defender.

After transfering from Virginia, Green went on to lead the nation in sacks in 2024 (17). That type of pass rush production is what the Bolts need off the edge, as they finished 26th in pressure percentage (19.8).

At 6-foot-4 and 251 pounds, Green gets into the backfield consistently in a variety of ways, causing fits for opposing offensive tackles with speed, bend, and an arsenal of counters (arm-over, cross-chop, long arm, spin).

Chargers 2025 offseason preview: Pending free agents, cap space, team needs, draft picks

Examining the Chargers’ offseason, including team needs, pending free agents, and salary-cap space.

After finishing 11-6 and making the playoffs, the Chargers are in full offseason mode.

Los Angeles is still a couple of months away from the new league frenzy, but it’s not too early to look at what to expect then, starting with 27 players scheduled to be unrestricted free agents.

  1. CB Eli Apple
  2. OL Bradley Bozeman
  3. WR DJ Chark
  4. RB J.K. Dobbins
  5. LB Troy Dye
  6. TE Hayden Hurst
  7. WR Simi Fehoko
  8. DL Poona Ford
  9. DL Morgan Fox
  10. CB Kristian Fulton
  11. QB Taylor Heinicke
  12. OL Brenden Jaimes
  13. S Tony Jefferson
  14. EDGE Khalil Mack
  15. S Marcus Maye
  16. S Elijah Molden
  17. OL Sam Mustipher
  18. LB Nick Niemann
  19. WR Joshua Palmer
  20. LB Denzel Perryman
  21. LB Shaq Quarterman
  22. WR Jalen Reagor
  23. EDGE Chris Rumph II
  24. CB Asante Samuel, Jr.
  25. P JK Scott
  26. QB Easton Stick
  27. DL Teair Tart

Cap space

The Chargers have a projected $63 million in cap space, the sixth most among all NFL teams.

Team needs

Wide receiver

Time and time again, we saw Justin Herbert’s receivers drop crucial passes this season. Ladd McConkey is here to stay for the long term, and Quentin Johnston did show some improvements. With that, the Chargers still need a legit No. 1 playmaker on the outsider, like a Tee Higgins in free agency. Keenan Allen even teased that he would consider a return to Los Angeles. Regardless of who it is, the Chargers must get Herbert some help and it should be at the top of the priority list.

Tight end

Just behind the wide receiver position, the Chargers need tight end talent badly as well. Recent mock drafts have had Los Angeles using their first-round draft selection on a tight end. This year’s talent at the position was subpar in both the pass-catching and blocking departments. Don’t be surprised to see the front office add multiple tight ends this offseason.

Center

The offensive line is set at offensive tackle, but center was the clear weakness of this unit in 2024. Bradley Bozeman was brought in on a cheap deal, and it didn’t work out. He was regularly the weak link of the offensive line, and it’s time Los Angeles gets younger at this position.

Running back

J.K. Dobbins proved to be a good value pickup. But as we saw, his injury history is concerning. While he can’t be relied upon for an entire 17-game season, Dobbins could be a candidate to return on a short-term deal. Still, it would be wise to draft a running back in this year’s deep class or resort to the free agency pool to improve a rushing offense that ranked far below Jim Harbaugh’s standards.

Guard

Zion Johnson is sometimes inconsistent, but he will still be a starter on the left side in 2025. However, the team has a decision to make regarding his fifth-year option. On the right side, the team should seek reinforcements through the draft and free agency. Trey Pipkins was not good enough, particularly in pass protection.

Interior defensive line

Poona Ford is the big name to watch here, as he had a breakout season this year and is set to hit free agency. He was dominant on the inside, particularly in the run game. Even if Ford is brought back, this unit still needs some depth.

Cornerback

Kristian Fulton and Asante Samuel Jr. are set to become free agents, so the team must decide on those two first and foremost. Beyond that, Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still are in the plans after promising rookie seasons. The team will need depth, at minimum, at the position still. The front office may even consider getting a No. 1 corner in free agency if they lose Fulton and Samuel.

Edge defender

This is largely dependent on Khalil Mack’s fate. Mack will turn 34 in a little over a month. The veteran is coming off his third consecutive Pro Bowl appearance, and he was phenomenal under Jesse Minter this year. The team should do everything in its power to bring him back, but if they do lose him, this becomes a huge area of concern. Additionally, the team could cut ties with Joey Bosa, who has struggled with injuries.

Draft picks

The Chargers have the No. 22 overall selection and are projected to have ten total picks in the 2025 NFL draft.

49ers should jump at chance to sign former DPOY in free agency

Khalil Mack time?

A report surfaced from ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Wednesday that indicated Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Khalil Mack is set to return for the 2025 season.

Mack is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and he’ll be entering his 12th NFL season at age 34. Last season for the Chargers he posted 6.0 sacks – a steep drop off from the 17.0 he posted in 2023.

Despite the dip in production, the San Francisco 49ers should be in hot pursuit of Mack in free agency.

Mack can’t be their only move, but he’s a legitimate edge rusher with an outstanding resume who can bolster a pass rush that desperately needs some level of consistency on the side opposite Nick Bosa. San Francisco will likely add additional depth this offseason, opening a door for Mack to be a pass-rush specialist who doesn’t necessarily need to be on the field for every down.

Perhaps the biggest problem facing the 49ers in chasing Mack could be his lack of desire to leave the Chargers.

Via ESPN:

Mack had said earlier this month that if he decided to continue playing, he believed his best chance to win was with the Chargers.

“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.”

As Mack enters the twilight of his career, however, the 49ers have the cap space to make an enticing offer for a defensive end who would dramatically upgrade their pass rush. They also bolster a talented roster and coaching staff that would still give Mack a chance to win his first playoff game. He’s 0-5 in five career trips to the postseason, including a blowout loss to the Houston Texans this year.

The 49ers tried to acquire Mack in a trade with the then-Oakland Raiders in 2018. He was dealt instead to the Chicago Bears where he was a three-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro and Defensive Player of the Year runner up. It wouldn’t be the same version of Mack the 49ers are acquiring, but he would be a quality pass rusher for a defensive line that needs as many as it can find.

Mack in 11 seasons has posted 107.5 sacks and 142 tackles for loss in 167 games. He is a four-time All-Pro and was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2016.

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Joe Hortiz comments on Joey Bosa’s future with Chargers

The Chargers could benefit from cutting Joey Bosa.

There are a handful of Chargers players that the team will have to determine whether or not they will be back in Los Angeles next season.

Among the crop is edge defender Joey Bosa. Bosa has a cap hit of more than $36 million in 2025, according to Over The Cap. That’s a good chunk of money for someone who hasn’t quite proven their worth.

When asked about Bosa’s cap hit and future with the team, general manager Joe Hortiz said, “Those are the things we’re discussing right now.” Hortiz added that it is “possible” they keep him on his current cap hit.

There’s no denying the talent, but Bosa has struggled to stay on the field consistently over the past few seasons. And he has also yet to reach double-digit sacks since 2021, the last time he was named a Pro Bowler.

The Chargers can save over $25 million in cap space by cutting Bosa.

Bosa’s partner in the edge defender room, Khalil Mack, is considering retirement and will decide his future after discussing it with his family.

If Bosa and Mack are not members of the Chargers next season, addressing the position group will be a high priority this offseason.

Pro Football Focus suggests the team that should sign Khalil Mack this offseason

Pro Football Focus believes Khalil Mack should return to the NFC North.

The top soon-to-be free agent for the Chargers this offseason is edge defender Khalil Mack.

While Mack will be Los Angeles’ No. 1 priority to bring back, there is the possibility he decides to hang up the cleats or play for another team.

Should he sign with another team, Pro Football Focus says the Packers should bring him to Green Bay.

Mack’s 137 pressures over the past two years are the 12th most among edge rushers, and his 91.6 PFF run-defense grade ranks first. Mack would be a home-run signing to pair with Rashan Gary.

Mack will be 34 next season, but he can still play at a high level, as evidenced by being named to his ninth Pro Bowl after recording six sacks, six quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and nine passes defensed.

The Chargers would greatly benefit from his presence because Joey Bosa could be released to clear up cap space, leaving them without a productive veteran in the positional room.

All the while, Mack might feel that his football career is over because he made it clear that he wants to spend more time with his family. Or he might want a change of scenery, with Green Bay being a potential destination.

Chargers’ top 10 defensive performers in 2024, per PFF

Here’s a look at the top 10 defensive performers based on Pro Football Focus’ overall grades.

The Los Angeles Chargers’ season ended when they fell flat to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round of the AFC playoffs.

With the offseason on the horizon, Pro Football Focus’ year-end defensive player rankings will become all the more important as Los Angeles looks to revamp for 2025.

Here are the Chargers’ top-10 defensive performers by PFF’s metrics:

1. EDGE Khalil Mack

PFF grade: 90.2

2. S Tony Jefferson

PFF grade: 89.0

3. DL Poona Ford

PFF grade: 85.3

4. S Derwin James Jr.

PFF grade: 80.8

5. DL Teair Tart

PFF grade: 78.1

6. S Elijah Molden

PFF grade: 75.6

7. CB Tarheeb Still

PFF grade: 75.2

8. LB Daiyan Henley

PFF grade: 67.0

9. CB Kristian Fulton

PFF grade: 68.9

10. EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu

PFF grade: 66.5

Final stat leaders for the Chargers in 2024

Ladd McConkey led all receivers in every category except for touchdowns.

All attention has shifted to the offseason, but while it’s still fresh, we can still reflect on this past season for the Chargers.

Here are the final stat leaders from the 2024 regular season.

Offense

Touchdown Passes – QB Justin Herbert (23)

Passing Yards – QB Justin Herbert (3,870)

Rushing Yards – RB J.K. Dobbins (905)

Rushing Touchdowns – RB J.K. Dobbins (9)

Receptions – WR Ladd McConkey (82)

Receiving Touchdowns – WR Quentin Johnston (8)

Receiving Yards – WR Ladd McConkey (1,149)

Yards Per Catch — WR Simi Fehoko (17.0)

Defense

Sacks – EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu (8.5)

Tackles – LB Daiyan Henley (147)

Interceptions – CB Tarheeb Still (4)

Passes Defensed – CB Tarheeb Still (10)

Forced Fumbles – EDGE Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa (2)

Quarterback Pressures — EDGE Khalil Mack (52)

Punt Return Yards – WR Derius Davis (235)

Kick Return Yards – WR Derius Davis (524)

Have we seen the last of Khalil Mack with the Chargers?

Khalil Mack will use this offseason to decide on the future of his playing days.

Edge defender Khalil Mack’s playing days could be coming to an end.

Mack spoke to the media a day after the Chargers’ loss to the Texans and said he is contemplating retirement.

“Man, it’s a lot of different thoughts in my head right now,” Mack said, per AP Sports’ Joe Reedy. “I can’t really speak on a definitive decision in terms of what I’m going to do because I don’t know if I’m going to play football moving forward, so there’s some things I gotta talk through with my wife, spend some time with my kids and try not to make a rash decision after a loss.”

Mack’s contract with Los Angeles is up, and he is set to hit the free agency market for the first time in his 11-year career.

Mack, who will be 34 next month, is coming off another productive season in which he finished with six sacks and nine passes defended en route to being named to his ninth Pro Bowl.

This marked Mack’s fifth playoff appearance. Like each of the other trips, it was one-and-done for him. He has yet to advance beyond the Wild Card Round.

“I don’t want to go out with a loss based on who I am. I definitely want to make that push and play some important games in the playoffs,” Mack said. “I am trying not to think too much ahead but give myself some time and a grace period to think things through.”

If Mack decides to hang up the cleats, it’s not because he feels the impact of getting older but because he wants to spend more time with his family, which includes his wife, Brianna, and their two kids.

“It is more the mental strain of the game, just what it takes away from your family. It is one of the things that will weigh heavy on my decision,” he said.

Mack said he doesn’t have a timeline for his decision. But he will undoubtedly consider what head coach Jim Harbaugh did for the Chargers in just one season and the potential of the team after an offseason of retooling with plenty of cap space and draft picks.

“It was a special year understanding what he has done in the short time he has been here and the potential in the building. The growth is inevitable,” Mack said about Harbaugh. “It was impressive what we were able to do and squeeze out.”