Lions Should Not Be Deterred by Chargers GM’s Push to Retain Khalil Mack
Khalil Mack’s 2025 season will mark the 14th of his NFL career, and this year, for the first time, he’ll be a free agent. After briefly considering retirement, Mack decided to return for another season, and he’s naturally eyeing a top contender. The Detroit Lions, who have a clear need for an edge rusher, could be a perfect fit.
While Mack’s current team, the Los Angeles Chargers, would love to keep him, general manager Joe Hortiz has made it clear that he values Mack’s presence. At the NFL Combine, Hortiz took the opportunity to express how important Mack is to the team, hoping to re-sign him before free agency begins.
However, Hortiz’s comments should not dissuade the Lions from pursuing Mack. The Chargers have significant cap space, so re-signing Mack is certainly a possibility. But Mack, with $169.5 million in career earnings, may not be primarily focused on money. He will likely want to join a team with serious Super Bowl aspirations, and the Lions appear to be in a stronger position than the Chargers, who could lose star defensive end Joey Bosa this offseason.
Additionally, the Lions already have a top-tier edge rusher in Aidan Hutchinson, who is expected to bounce back strong after dealing with a broken leg in 2024. The opportunity to pair with Hutchinson could make Detroit a more appealing destination for Mack, as it would create favorable pass-rushing situations for him.
While Hortiz continues to make his case to Mack, the reality is that Mack is now a free agent, and the Lions should be prepared to make him an enticing offer when the window opens. The Chargers’ pitch shouldn’t hold any weight in the Lions’ pursuit of one of the NFL’s top edge rushers.
Words from Chargers GM Mean Nothing to Lions’ Khalil Mack Plans
