By Mummy Grace Lions Face Key Offseason Decisions, Eyes on Khalil Mack
As the Detroit Lions enter the offseason, General Manager Brad Holmes made it clear during his season-ending press conference that the team will not deviate from its long-term plan, despite external chatter about a closing “Super Bowl window.”
One pressing need stands out: bolstering the edge rusher group. With Aidan Hutchinson set to return healthy and Za’Darius Smith likely coming back, the Lions still lack depth at the position. Holmes is expected to address this through free agency, the draft, or both.
Khalil Mack’s Decision to Play in 2025 Draws Lions’ Interest
After the Los Angeles Chargers’ Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans, veteran linebacker Khalil Mack contemplated retirement. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently reported that Mack has decided to play in the 2025 season and will become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career.
Mack, who turns 34 in February, remains a valuable asset despite declining sack numbers. His production dipped from 17 sacks in 2023 to six this past season, though he still ranked in the top 30 in quarterback pressures and top 25 in pass rush win rate (minimum 200 snaps). His two sacks in the Chargers’ playoff loss underscored his ability to make an impact when it matters most.
Could Mack Be the Perfect Fit for Detroit?
Zack Cook of SportsGrid predicts the Lions will pursue Mack as a short-term solution to enhance their defense. Given his career earnings of $169.5 million, Mack is likely more focused on joining a team with Super Bowl aspirations than securing a lucrative payday.
Spotrac projects Mack’s market value at $6.8 million for a one-year deal, but the Lions could offer closer to $10 million to remain competitive with other contenders. Mack’s desire for team success aligns with Detroit’s ambitions, making this a potential win-win scenario.
What’s Next for the Lions?
Adding Mack would pair a seasoned pass rusher with rising star Aidan Hutchinson, creating a formidable edge duo. Whether through free agency or the draft, Brad Holmes and the Lions have a clear objective: fortify their defense and maintain their trajectory as playoff contenders.
The Lions’ offseason decisions, including potentially signing Khalil Mack, will shape their readiness for another postseason run. For now, Detroit fans can hope the team capitalizes on its growing momentum.