Edge defender Khalil Mack has been a key member of the Chargers for the past few seasons. However, he is set to become a free agent, so it remains unknown whether he will be part of the team this upcoming season.
General manager Joe Hortiz said on Tuesday that they have had positive conversations with Mack about staying in Los Angeles.
“I had conversations with Khalil in December and certainly after the season and we’ve talked with his representation and just keep on chipping away at it,” Hortiz said.
This will mark the first time that Mack has been a free agent, so Hortiz understands that he may want to test the market.
“This week will probably tell you a little bit more because people are out talking but we’ll have good conversations,” Hortiz said. “I’d like to get him done before free agency starts but Khalil’s never been a free agent in his life.
“So it might be something where Khalil says, ‘Hey, I was a free agent, I did it and I came back to LA.’ If it gets to that, that’s my hope,” Hortiz added.
Mack is coming off another great season. He finished first in quarterback pressures (54) and second in sacks (6). Mack also had the second-highest PFF run defense grade among edge rushers (88.0).