Cross Khalil Mack off the Bears’ free-agent list.
Hours before the start of the NFL’s legal tampering period Monday, the standout edge rusher agreed to stay with the Chargers on a one-year contract. NFL Network reported he’d receive $18 million guaranteed.
Mack was a potential free-agent target for a Bears team that needs an edge rusher to play opposite Montez Sweat. In the past three years, the Bears have posted 90 sacks, the fewest in the NFL. Mack was drafted in 2014 by a Raiders team that was coached by Dennis Allen, the Bears’ new defensive coordinator.
Mack played for the Bears from 2018-21. Bears GM Ryan Poles traded Mack to the Chargers three years ago to start the Bears’ rebuild. He’s been surprisingly durable since, missing only one game in three seasons and reaching the Pro Bowl three times. Mack had 17 sacks in 2023 and six last year. He turned 34 last month.
The Bears raised some eyebrows Friday when they posted a social media video showing defensive highlights from recent years. Mack was featured more than any other player.