Well isn’t this an interesting turn of events? After some speculation surrounding Khalil Mack and his future in the NFL, it looks like the 9X Pro Bowler won’t be retiring after all. It looks like the former Defensive Player of the Year will be keeping the cleats on his feet, and will be “running it back” one more time.

Nine-time Pro-Bowl LB Khalil Mack, who said after the Chargers’ postseason loss to the Texans that he needed to take some time to mull his future, will indeed play in the 2025 season, per source. Mack’s contract is up and he is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent. pic.twitter.com/qa8WrbKiJY

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 22, 2025

He is an elite player who, although aging, can still offer a lot to a team who’s in need to an edge rusher. In his three seasons with the Chargers, the former Buffalo Bull was able to put up a rather impressive stat-line consisting of;

163 Tackles, 39 TFL, 31 Sacks, 9 FFs

The man can still “go,” for lack of a better term. Even though he’s creeping up on the wrong side of 30, he can still be a beneficial piece of any defense. But the question is; should the Chicago Bears try and pursue Mack? Should Ryan Poles and co. attempt to reunite the man with the navy and orange?

Personally, I think yes…..but ONLY if the price is right. I think the idea of Khalil Mack coming back to the ‘Windy City’ should be on the table, but it shouldn’t be a main concern for our squad. It, if anything, should be a “we have the money, so let’s give this a shot” type of situation. If that makes sense?

Just think about it; the d-line this past year……it wasn’t the greatest. In 17 games, the Bears ranked in the middle of the pack for both sacks and pressures at 40 and 142 respectively. They weren’t bad, but they weren’t great. They were just “meh,” with a side of GOD AWFUL when it came to defending the run.

It was just a rough year for the ‘Monsters of the Midway,’ so the addition of a star like Mack could be just what they need to move them to the next level. Not only that; it could also take a little bit of pressure off of Montez Sweat, who is EASILY the only star pass-rusher that this team has.

The issue that arises though, is the money. The Chicago Bears have (roughly) $66 million to play with this season, which means they have the room to add people. There’s no question about it. But with all of the holes that they need to fill on this roster….they don’t really NEED to add an aging defender who’s been toying with the idea of retirement. They don’t really NEED to back the Brinks truck up to the big man’s door, if they don’t have to.

If anything, Ryan Poles should be focusing on adding more O-Line depth to help protect young Caleb Williams. He should be focusing on bolstering up a front five that was the second cheapest in the league this past season, to help keep his franchise quarterback safe. A guy like Mack should be the least of his worries.

He should, he seriously should! Granted, if the opportunity were to present itself, and Mack were to take a somewhat team-friendly deal to come back to the Bears…..then I would accept him with open arms. I would cheer for him just like I did back in 2018. It would be one of the most epic reunions in Bears’ history.

But……I don’t see that happening. With Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh reportedly saying that he REALLY wants Mack back in LA…..

Jim Harbaugh on 2025 Chargers: “I don’t know if it’s possible to get everybody back, but I wanna get as darn close as possible … and nobody more than Khalil Mack.”https://t.co/4IrdWLUtv7 pic.twitter.com/bAXYfRSF7C

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) January 16, 2025

I don’t see the Bears having any shot at landing the 11-year vet. Unless Ryan Poles somehow puts together the most ABSURD deal known to mankind, I can’t see Mack coming back. It just wouldn’t make any sense.

Hopefully I’m wrong, and we can somehow figure something out. But until then……don’t expect #52 to hit Soldier Field again.

But in the end, as always……what do I know? I’m just a guy from the Midwest, with a beer and a laptop, trying to make sense of this world.