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In the days leading up to free agency, the Green Bay Packers have seen multiple targets vanish from the market. Myles Garrett, the league’s hottest trade candidate, signed a record-setting extension with Cleveland. Maxx Crosby agreed to a new, lucrative contract with the Raiders. DK Metcalf wound up with the Steelers. Davante Adams ended hopes of a Packers reunion by signing with the Rams. If Green Bay had any ideas about filling their own free-agency-created void at linebacker, the best potential option went by the wayside when Zach Baun resigned with Philadelphia.
Now, with Garrett and Crosby off the table, the highest grading pass rusher remaining on the market has been snapped up as well.
Another Potential Signing Swooped Up
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports:
Mack is back for more: Sources say the #Chargers are bringing back star edge Khalil Mack for another season, as the future Hall of Famer stays home.
It’s one year, $18M fully guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/C4MBDN9izl
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2025
Mack, the 5th-graded edge rusher by PFF last season, was highly productive even in a down year with the Chargers in 2024. Coming off a career-high 17 sacks, he managed only 6 takedowns despite playing 16 games. Judging by the more holistic measure that is PFF score, however, it seems he has some juice left in the tank.
His 1-year, $18M deal is similar to the 1-year, $19M renegotiated contract he signed with Los Angeles before last season.
2025 will be his fourth season in LA and his 12th in the league. Missing out on the elder statesman is a blow to a number of fanbases eyeing the addition of some frontline thump. Bears faithful had been hoping for a Mack remarriage after the all-timer spent four years in Chicago from 2018-2021.
As for the Packers, they will have to act quickly to fortify the troops with a big-name acquisition this offseason.
Khalil Mack Is Back in LA and Clock Is Ticking on Green Bay Packers To Land Premier Free Agent
Even more so than a clearcut WR1, edge rusher is a need in Green Bay. Rashan Gary compiled 7.5 sacks in a solid 2024 campaign, but he is hardly a one-man wrecking crew. Adding a dominant force in the pass rush would not only strengthen the unit as a whole, it would take some of the focus off Gary, allowing him easier runs at the quarterback.
Fortunately, Mack is the not the last pass rusher on earth. The Eagles’ Josh Sweat remains available, as does ex-Jet Haason Reddick.
Sweat lacks Mack’s Hall of Fame resume, but the soon-to-be 28-year-old is a more feasible long-term option and a better fit for Green Bay’s hopefully extended window of championship contention. Last year in Philly, his 7th in the NFL, he recorded 8 sacks, second-best in his career.
By now, interested teams should be well aware that the Eagles do not mess around when it comes to retaining their stars. They have already drawn up a 2-year, 42M extension for running back Saquon Barkley. The next day they roped in Baun for 3 years and $51M.
Now that Mack is gone, Sweat takes his spot as the best pass rushing talent available. With free agency kicking off, teams like the Packers may want to escalate negotiations before it is too late.
