Khalil Mack to Return for 12th NFL Season in 2025
Nine-time Pro Bowl linebacker Khalil Mack is set to return to the NFL in 2025 for his 12th season, according to an ESPN report released Wednesday. The veteran pass-rusher, who will turn 34 next month, is poised to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his illustrious career.
Mack just completed his third year with the Los Angeles Chargers, contributing six sacks and 15 quarterback hits over 16 starts during the 2024 season. His performance earned him another Pro Bowl nod, further solidifying his legacy as one of the league’s premier defenders. Over his career, Mack has garnered accolades that include the 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award and three first-team All-Pro selections (2015, 2016, 2018).
In a postseason interview following the Chargers’ 32-12 AFC wild-card loss to the Houston Texans, Mack reflected on his future, admitting he had considered retirement. “Man, it’s a lot of different thoughts in my head right now,” he said. “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. 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.”
Despite his initial hesitation, Mack spoke highly of the Chargers organization and his confidence in the team’s chances with players like quarterback Justin Herbert and safety Derwin James leading the charge. “You know you always have a chance to win,” Mack said. “Yeah, that’s a no-brainer.”
Mack’s playoff experience, however, remains bittersweet. Although he recorded two sacks against the Texans in what was his fifth career postseason game, his teams have yet to secure a playoff victory in those appearances.
In 167 career games (166 starts) with the then-Oakland Raiders (2014-2017), Chicago Bears (2018-2021), and Chargers (2022-2024), Mack has amassed 107.5 sacks, tying him for 32nd on the NFL’s all-time sack list. His career stats include 630 total tackles (142 for loss), 32 forced fumbles, 13 fumble recoveries, and three interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.
With his decision now public, Mack will be one of the most sought-after free agents in the 2025 offseason, bringing a wealth of experience, talent, and leadership to any team fortunate enough to secure his services.
