It was just earlier on Monday when we wrote about the latest Khalil Mack rumor, wondering why the Chicago Bears keep being connected to their former pass rusher.
In a very general sense, the Bears need a defensive end and an improved pass rush, and Mack would check that box. But considering the Bears aren't quite ready to contend for a Super Bowl and Mack is about to be on the other side of 30, a reunion didn't seem to add up. That is, unless, Mack was willing to take a discounted short-term deal.
Well, as it turns out, Mack may be willing to do if it meant returning to the Bears. Chris Emma of 670 The Score reports that Mack not only has an interest in a reunion with the Bears but isn't interested in having the spotlight on him.
"Sources believe Mack has interest in a return to Chicago, where he played from 2018-’21. Mack isn't interested in the spotlight, but the vision would be for him to be a complementary piece of the defense, not the star," Emma reports.
Under the situation Emma described, then it would make sense for the Bears to bring Mack back. While the Bears have nearly $80MM in salary cap space this offseason, the timing of a long-term lucrative contract with Mack doesn't align with their direction or needs. However, if Mack is willing to take a short-term deal and a little less, knowing he won't be the key piece on defense, the Bears should be all over that type of deal.
Khalil Mack rumored return to the Chicago Bears may just have legs to it
Such a pairing would see Mack be the edge rusher on the other side of the defensive line, diverting attention away from Montez Sweat. In comparison, Sweat is being paid to be the premium pass rusher in the Bears' defense. The 2024 season saw Sweat play through multiple injuries, leading to a regression in his ability to get to the quarterback. That regression can't be repeated in 2025.
Not to mention, signing Mack would give Austin Booker added time to develop. For a Bears team that will need to show some signs of contention in 2025, depending on Booker to take a leap in his sophomore season wouldn't be wise.