There won't be a reunion between the Chicago Bears and Khalil Mack.
Despite rumors gaining steam in recent weeks that Mack would be interested in returning to the Bears on a short-term deal, the veteran pass rusher is returning to the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year deal.
Just ahead of free agency, former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack reached agreement today on a one-year, fully-guaranteed $18 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, per sources. Chargers get back their pass-rush standout. pic.twitter.com/R6M3toh3zF
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2025
Khalil Mack won't be returning to the Chicago Bears
On a one-year deal with a fully guaranteed $18MM, Mack did receive slightly more than what was projected. A rumored deal with the Bears was believed to be in the range of $15MM per season. The Bears will now need to look elsewhere for their pass-rushing needs.
Much like the Bears couldn't go this offseason without addressing the needs they have along the offensive line, the Bears must add a capable starting edge rusher this offseason. With Mack off the market, there remain several options available if the Bears want to address the need through free agency. Those options include Josh Sweat, Joey Bosa, and Chase Young. Of the three, Sweat would likely be viewed as the more lucrative signing.
Before the Bears traded for Montez Sweat, the Bears did have trade conversations with the Washington Commanders about Chase Young. One of the reasons why the Bears did not choose Young over Sweat was work ethic. On a one-year deal where Young is looking restock his value, the Bears could be an option.
The same premise can be applied to a potential deal with Bosa. Bosa has struggled to stay on the field over the last three seasons and hasn't played a full season since 2021. However, he may not be on the market for long, as he has been in talks with the San Francisco 49ers.
Trey Hendrickson remains on the trade market. With the Cincinnati Bengals looking for a package of Day 2 draft picks, the Bears theoretically could be a hit with three picks in the first 45 selections of the 2025 NFL Draft.