By Sunday 
Why Detroit’s Pursuit of Khalil Mack Just Makes Sense
The Detroit Lions are heading into the offseason with a clear priority—bolstering their pass rush. As they scan the market for available edge rushers, one name continues to stand out: Khalil Mack.
At 34, Mack remains one of the league’s most formidable defenders, and his potential fit in Detroit is too perfect to ignore. With the Lions poised for a Super Bowl run, the addition of Mack could transform their defense into an elite unit.
Khalil Mack: A Natural Fit for the Lions
Ever since the Los Angeles Chargers’ playoff exit last season, speculation about Mack’s future has linked him to Detroit. Now, with free agency looming, the connection feels even stronger.
Mack may not command the massive contracts he once did, but his value goes beyond the stat sheet. While his sack total dropped from 17 in 2023 to just six last season, advanced metrics tell a different story. Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked him as the fifth-best edge defender for 2024, with an elite run defense grade of 87.7, second-best at his position.
His ability to create pressure remained strong, ranking in the top 30 among edge rushers in pressures and maintaining a pass-rush win rate of 14.5%, among the top 25 in the league for defenders with at least 200 pass-rush snaps.
One reason for his statistical drop? A reduced workload. Mack played 300 fewer snaps than the previous season, with a game-by-game snap rate that dipped by 20%. At this stage of his career, managing his playing time is essential—but in a rotational role alongside Detroit’s existing pass rushers, he could thrive.
Why the Lions Must Make This Move
The Lions are already well-positioned with Aidan Hutchinson and Za’Darius Smith anchoring their defensive front. Adding Mack to the mix would give Detroit an edge-rushing trio that could strike fear into any offensive line.
Ben Rolfe of Pro Football Network recently predicted the Lions would pursue Mack, calling him an “intriguing fit” alongside Hutchinson and Smith.
“The Lions have the luxury to be able to do it to have an elite pass rush group at their disposal. Mack will not come cheap, but the Lions can massage that with void years and other elements. They also have over $40 million in cap space and few needs to address while in a win-now window. Mack would be a lot of fun on the Lions, and this would be a terrifying trio for opposing offensive lines.”
Financially, Mack’s next contract will be a key factor. Spotrac estimates his market value at $23.6 million per year, projecting a three-year, $70.9 million deal. Meanwhile, PFF predicts a two-year, $45 million contract with $40 million guaranteed.
For the Lions, the numbers may seem steep, but they have the cap space and flexibility to structure a deal that works. By incorporating void years and other cap maneuvers, Detroit could bring Mack in without jeopardizing future spending.
A Championship Opportunity for Mack
Beyond the money, Mack’s decision will likely come down to his best shot at winning another championship. The Lions are now among the NFL’s top contenders, something that many of Mack’s other suitors cannot offer.
With a clear need for an edge rusher, the financial capability to sign him, and a legitimate Super Bowl window, Detroit is an ideal landing spot. It’s a move that makes too much sense to ignore.