Many Chicago Bears fans remember where they were on the day the Bears traded for Khalil Mack. Mack was the transformational move of the 2018 season for the Bears. With a starting quarterback on the second year of his rookie contract, an offensive-minded head coach, and a defense with all the building blocks in place, Mack's addition announced the Bears' arrival.
With Mack a free agent this offseason and intending to play in 2025, many fans have been quick to point the finger in the direction of the Bears. As the Bears look for a more consistent pass rush this offseason, adding Mack on the other side of the defensive line would have some appeal for the team. Especially when you consider the connection between Dennis Allen and Mack.
It would also seem that the Bears are planning to overhaul their defensive line. One of the more surprising moves that the Bears made last week was releasing DeMarcus Walker. Walker served in a hybrid role on the Bears' defensive line, often rotating between playing inside and on the edge. While the Bears did save over $5MM in cutting Walker, it was a move that shouldn't strictly be viewed as a cap casualty considering the team was already in a healthy spot.
When factoring the release of Gerald Everett as well, the Bears created an additional $10.75MM in cap space this offseason. The Bears have been heavily linked to Trey Smith this offseason but some are thinking the team's preference to create more salary cap room is to allow the front office to add a prominent pass rusher such as Mack.
A Khalil Mack reunion wouldn't have the same feel it did in 2018
One person not buying that theory is Brad Biggs.
.@BradBiggs on the possibility of the Bears pursuing Khalil Mack: "If they go out and sign a 34-year-old edge rusher in free agency, to me, that's like the defensive version of Keenan Allen."
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) February 24, 2025
Listen: https://t.co/L8T3pZnFRf pic.twitter.com/Pw18sxh8cy
One thing that is being overlooked in the rumored reunion between the Bears and Mack is the timing isn't as identical to the situation the team was in when they first acquired the star defensive end in 2018. Yes, the Bears have a starting quarterback on a rookie contract paired with an offensive-minded head coach, but they do not have the building blocks in place along either side of the line. Not to mention, the Bears won't be considered Super Bowl contenders in 2025. If you're Mack, there would be very little reason to join the Bears outside of money. And, if you're the Bears, it wouldn't make sense to spend heavily on a player like Mack.