LOS ANGELES — Star pass rusher Khalil Mack, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection who had contemplated hanging up his cleats, is set to compete in 2026, ESPN was informed by a source.
At 35 years old, Mack is poised to enter unrestricted free agency for the second time during his 12-year NFL tenure and intends to consider every possibility.
The Los Angeles Chargers are keen on re-signing Mack, just as they succeeded in doing last season.
Mack, recipient of the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year award and among the most acclaimed outside linebackers in NFL history, recorded 5.5 quarterback takedowns in 2025, his career’s second-lowest total, though this was attributable in part to an elbow ailment that kept him out of action for four contests.
When in good health, he continued to be a pivotal player for the Chargers’ defense, and his unavailability was distinctly noticeable when he was on the sidelines. In the four weeks that Mack was absent, Los Angeles conceded 579 ground yards, ranking sixth highest across the NFL. Upon his return in Week 7 until Week 18 — a period when most Chargers starters rested — L.A. permitted the fourth-lowest total of rushing yards (1,046).
Mack had aspired to secure his inaugural postseason victory with the Chargers and launch a bid for the Super Bowl, but his postseason record dropped to 0-6 following L.A.’s defeat to the New England Patriots.
“I want to eventually claim a championship title,” Mack stated during his season-ending press conference.
Mack was chosen as the fourth overall selection in the 2014 draft by the Raiders and played his initial four campaigns in Oakland. He was then dealt to the Chicago Bears prior to the commencement of the 2018 season.
His tally of 113 career quarterback takedowns places him seventh among current players in the league.
NFL Network initially disclosed Mack’s intentions.