This can permit for a free company bid, although the Chargers are concerned about bringing again the previous Defensive Participant of the 12 months. Jim Harbaugh talked about Mack as a potential top priority for his team, although it will likely be fascinating to see if Mack — who was tied to a six-year extension agreed to shortly after he joined the Bears — will think about different groups provided that he has by no means reached free company.
As Joey Bosa continued to navigate damage points in recent times, Mack bounced again from a foot illness suffered throughout his last Bears season by usually remaining accessible in Los Angeles. Mack couldn’t method his 17-sack 2023 season, registering six, however he added one other Professional Bowl to his resume final season. Mack and Bosa have been essential parts of Jesse Minter‘s No. 1-ranked protection this season. Bosa is below contract for 2025, although his roster spot is probably not fully safe.
Mack solely missed one sport as a Charger, and that sturdiness will assist him in the marketplace. Whereas groups will issue Mack’s age (34 in February) into the equation, he nonetheless must be a coveted short-term commodity. Though Mack would have been higher served by pushing for a shorter-team extension upon being traded to the Bears, he has executed very effectively for himself within the NFL. The previous No. 5 general choose has earned greater than $169M and has positioned himself on the Corridor of Fame radar.
The previous Raiders and Bears EDGE has 107.5 profession sacks. For a surefire Corridor of Fame bid, Mack may use one other robust season. He ranks thirty second on the profession sack record. Whereas the Buffalo alum has earned 9 Professional Bowls, his most up-to-date All-Professional nod got here in 2020 with Chicago. Merely reaching 5.5 sacks in 2025 would vault Mack into the highest 25 in sacks all-time.
This yr’s edge rusher market is ready to incorporate youthful skills like Chase Young and Azeez Ojulari whereas additionally housing a variety of achieved vets — Mack, Matt Judon, Haason Reddick and DeMarcus Lawrence amongst them. The Chargers even have Bud Dupree and Tuli Tuipulotu signed long run, which can make it fascinating concerning how far the resurgent AFC West franchise will go to retain Mack.
