This can permit for a free company bid, although the Chargers are occupied with bringing again the previous Defensive Participant of the Yr. Jim Harbaugh talked about Mack as a potential top priority for his team, although it is going to be fascinating to see if Mack — who was tied to a six-year extension agreed to shortly after he joined the Bears — will contemplate different groups on condition 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 ultimate Bears season by repeatedly remaining accessible in Los Angeles. Mack couldn’t strategy his 17-sack 2023 season, registering six, however he added one other Professional Bowl to his resume final season. Mack and Bosa had been important parts of Jesse Minter‘s No. 1-ranked protection this season. Bosa is beneath contract for 2025, although his roster spot will not be utterly 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 finished very nicely for himself within the NFL. The previous No. 5 general decide 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 sturdy season. He ranks thirty second on the profession sack checklist. 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 about to incorporate youthful abilities like Chase Young and Azeez Ojulari whereas additionally housing plenty 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 relating to how far the resurgent AFC West franchise will go to retain Mack.
