Khalil Mack is not walking away just yet. The veteran defensive end plans to continue playing and will test free agency rather than retire. At 35, Mack is still expected to generate strong interest around the league. As he weighs his next move, speculation is already building about where the accomplished edge rusher could land.
Khalil Mack Linked to Bears Reunion as Free Agency Nears
Harrison Graham of “Chicago Bears Now” added to the noise with a simple take. “I think the Bears will take a look here.” Short and direct, but enough to fuel the idea that Chicago could at least check in on its former star.
The X account, Bearsszn, noted that Mack was interested in a Bears reunion last offseason and questioned whether it could finally happen this time around. “Return of the Mack? 👀” The post read, leaning fully into the idea of a second stint in Chicago.
Nicholas Moreano of the “Nicholas Moreano Show” connected the dots to Chicago. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I would not mind Khalil Mack coming back to Chicago,” he wrote, making his stance clear. Moreano added that the Bears could still draft an edge rusher early, even if they brought Mack in, stressing that the defense needs more players who can get after the quarterback.
Sportscaster Elijah Loyola quickly shared the update, writing that Mack “WILL return for the 2026 NFL Season” and will be looking at all options in free agency. Loyola also pointed to Mack coming off a strong season, reinforcing that this is not a farewell tour. At 35, Mack is still playing at a high level, and now the focus shifts to where he lands next.
The Bleacher Nation Bears account chimed in with a GIF of Bears general manager Ryan Poles looking surprised. It was clearly tongue-in-cheek, but it matched the sudden buzz around Mack possibly being back on the market and the idea of Chicago getting involved again.
https://t.co/AySPGf4Hy1 pic.twitter.com/BekulQHQnt
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) March 2, 2026
Mack is coming off a one-year deal with the Chargers in 2025, appearing in 12 games after missing time with a dislocated elbow. He still produced 5.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, and forced four fumbles. Rapoport also reported that keeping Mack is a priority for Los Angeles, though the veteran will explore his options in free agency.
The No. 5 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft has played in 179 career games with 177 starts. He has totaled 113.0 sacks, 148 tackles for loss, and 196 quarterback hits during his time with the Raiders, Bears, and Chargers. Instead of stepping away, Mack now enters the offseason as one of the most notable veteran defenders available.
