Here are the top 5 free agent fits for veteran pass rusher Khalil Mack. According to Jeremy Fowler, the Chargers will attempt to bring back pending free agent Khalil Mack, who has been a crucial part of their defense. However, the chances of that happening are low despite the Chargers having the finances for a deal to go through. It shouldn’t surprise anyone if Los Angeles decides to offer him a deal, but he’ll likely wait for the right contract from another team.
Originally selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the former Buffalo product was planning to retire following the disappointing wild-card loss against the Houston Texans. However, plans are changing him and while he doesn’t indicate he’ll want to return to the Chargers, the reason why he’s coming back for more football is to finally get a chance to win a championship. Mack might be aging, but after becoming the first player to win first-team All-Pro selections at different positions, the veteran still has a lot in the tank.
Here are the top 5 free agent fits for Khalil Mack.
Top 5 Fits
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers might not be championship-worthy, but it’s hard to see quarterback Bryce Young win many ball games next season without a formidable defense. However, Khalil Mack might become the temporary solution if Jadeveon Clowney is the next defensive talent to request a trade. Despite winning just five games, the defense could easily get back on track as long as Shaq Thompson returns and Derrick Brown is 100%. Mack is way past his prime, but the team needs to add as many veterans as possible to keep as much veteran insurance as a reliable presence for the new incoming talent they may draft.
New Orleans Saints
New Orleans might be a rough situation, but it shouldn’t stop the Saints from getting creative about their salary cap space. Cameron Jordan will likely be a cut candidate and Chase Young might be in a new uniform, which means the team will need more veteran support. The Saints might not be an ideal option but the team could easily fix their entire roster if they play their cards right. In two years, they should be back in postseason contention, but that will only happen if they sign a couple of veterans on one-year deals.
This could happen regarding Mack who could fit into the defensive scheme and probably build a “defense wins championships mentality like he did with the Chicago Bears.
Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Commanders have a lot of bright spots on both offense and defense. However, they must do everything to build upon what they already brought in last offseason. There’s no word on what the team will do with Bobby Wagner, but since time is ticking for Jonathan Allen, the Commanders could be in the market for another veteran that might be worth the risk.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens could use another linebacker considering Trenton Simpson was quiet for the majority of the 2024 campaign. Odafe Oweh provides some promise but as their linebacker unit is getting younger, it’s safe for the team to add some veteran insurance to help Roquan Smith and Kyle Van Noy. Mack is no longer the same but he might be the last crown jewel for the Ravens to finally have some consistent success in their pass defense.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are heading to their second Super Bowl in under five years, but it’s never too early to start thinking about the future. The team has plenty of impending free agents, including Zach Baun who may demand a pricey contract. Perhaps, Mack could take a discount to play for the Eagles if they lose in the upcoming Super Bowl against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
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