The start of the 2025 NFL Free Agency period is one week away, and the expectation in the aftermath of the NFL Scouting Combine is that the Chicago Bears will be spending heavily on offensive line improvements.
The Bears need a starter at each of the guard spots in addition to a center. It seems that the Bears will target Drew Dalman, the top free-agent center on the market. Adding in a potential pursuit of Aaron Banks and Will Fries at one of the guard spots, chances are the Bears will be allocating a majority of their available salary cap space to upgrading the offensive line.
One rumor that hasn't gone away for the Bears is a potential reunion with pass-rusher Khalil Mack. Mack is an unrestricted free agent and there have been multiple reports connecting him to the Bears. The latest connection was made by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
Khalil Mack's name remains afloat in Chicago Bears rumors
"Teams agree edge rusher Khalil Mack played lights out last season, and the only real concern with his free agency is age (he's 34). A few people I've talked to have made potential connections to the Buccaneers and Bears. Tampa Bay typically doesn't spend big on external free agents but is looking for pass-rush help," Fowler reports.
One pushback to Fowler's reporting is the idea that Mack played "lights out" last season. Mack had 6 sacks last season, far from the top of the leaderboard; 2 forced fumbles, and 6 tackles for loss. It would seem that Fowler is referring to Mack's 2023 season with the Los Angeles Chargers when he had 17 sacks.
Given the age and clear regression from Mack in 2024, there are reasons why a team should be cautious about signing him to a lucrative contract. In a scenario where Mack is looking for a one-year deal, there might be a path to him having interest from the Bears. However, if you're the Bears, signing Mack to a one-year deal doesn't make much sense considering they aren't quite Super Bowl contenders just yet.