The Los Angeles Chargers have made sure to keep their top in-house free agent in L.A. Edge rusher Khalil Mack has agreed to a one-year, $18 million deal that will become official on Wednesday with the start of the new league year. The $18 million is fully guaranteed.
Mack has spent the past three seasons in Los Angeles and has racked up 31 sacks in that time. After moving on from Bosa, the team needed an impact player at the position and the best option was always to keep Mack, even though he is 34 years old.
He still has the kind of work ethic and motor on the field that Jim Harbaugh appreciates. Harbaugh made no secrets about the fact that he really wanted Mack back this year and now he has his wish.
The Chargers have third-year pass rusher Tuli Tuipolotu who can step in and fill the void left by Bosa. Tuipolotu, a second-round pick in 2023, has 11.5 sacks in his first two seasons but he’s done that while playing behind Bosa and Mack. The talent is there and with him having the chance to be a starter now, he should thrive in year three.
Mack’s deal is only for one season, so 2025 could certainly be his NFL swan song. He reportedly considered retirement after the team’s playoff loss to the Houston Texans but wants to take one more shot at winning a Super Bowl ring. Teams like the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears, where Mack played before being traded to the Chargers, were heavily connected to the future Hall-of-Fame sack artist, but it’s huge for the Chargers that he has decided to stay.