Chargers Already Petitioning Star Defender to Return in 2025

With the Los Angeles Chargers’ 2024 season ending last week to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round, head coach Jim Harbaugh and Co. are preparing for a pivotal offseason. The Chargers will look to improve at various positions in hopes of making a deeper playoff run and competing for an AFC West crown.

Therefore, one of the Chargers’ top priorities in the offseason is convincing veteran pass rusher Khalil Mack to return for one more season. After LA’s loss, the four-time All-Pro defender told reporters he’s mulling retirement and doesn’t know if he will continue to play football.

The 33-year-old pass rusher is also scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March, which will likely play a part in his decision-making. On Wednesday, at their end-of-season press conference, head coach Jim Harbaugh and GM Joe Horitz made it clear that they want Mack back with the team in 2025.

Chargers News: LA Wants Mack Back for 2025 Season

“I don’t know if it’s possible to get everybody back, but I wanna get as darn close as possible … and nobody more than Khalil Mack, " Harbaugh said (h/t ESPN’s Kris Rhim). Meanwhile, Horitz said he’s already texted Mack about chatting soon.

You cannot blame the Chargers’ brass for not wanting to bring Mack back at least for one more season. Even though he’s 33 years old, Mack still provided a lot of production off the edge for one of the best-scoring defenses in the league.

The soon-to-be 34-year-old edge rusher recorded 39 combined tackles, 22 QB pressures,15 quarterback hits, six tackles for loss, and six sacks this season. 

In Los Angeles’ playoff loss against the Texans, Mack made an immediate impact off the edge, posting six combined tackles, two tackles for loss, two QB hits, and two sacks. If the Chargers can’t convince Mack to return, one of the most pressing priorities will be to find a standout pass rusher for Jesse Minter’s defense.

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