BREAKING: Chargers GM sends loud and clear message to Khalil Mack ahead of free agency
Khalil Mack is the most significant free agent for the LA Chargers this offseason, and the team has been open about its desire to re-sign him. Mack has been a key contributor to the Chargers’ defense for three seasons, and despite his age, he is expected to remain impactful wherever he plays in 2025.
This marks the first time Mack has entered free agency, and he is carefully considering his options. Having never won a playoff game, the veteran edge rusher is prioritizing joining a team that can compete for a Super Bowl.
The Chargers are eager to be that team, with general manager Joe Hortiz even making a public appeal during an interview with CBS Sports at the NFL Combine, urging Mack to return.
Joe Hortiz clearly wants Khalil Mack back on the Chargers
Mack’s value extends beyond his on-field performance. As Joe Hortiz emphasized, he is a true culture-builder and a crucial part of the Chargers’ identity. If he departs, the team will be left with a significant leadership void.
Fortunately for Los Angeles, the same qualities that make Mack so vital to the team could also be what keeps him there. He understands his role in shaping the culture alongside Jim Harbaugh and may recognize that his impact wouldn’t be the same if he were to start fresh elsewhere.
Chargers fans are hopeful that Mack prioritizes the relationships and culture he has helped establish over other opportunities. If that’s the case, a return in 2025 seems likely.
The Chargers have the financial flexibility to offer Mack a fair-market deal and have made it clear they intend to do so. With the potential roster moves ahead, Los Angeles should also be viewed as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
The Chargers check all the boxes for Mack—except one. If a top-tier contender, like the Detroit Lions, is willing to offer a lucrative deal and a clear path to a championship, it could complicate LA’s chances.
Hortiz’s comments aren’t just for the fans—they’re a direct message to Mack. The Chargers’ leadership fully understands his value, and they’re hoping that message resonates if he finds himself weighing his options.