EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers are ensuring their defensive identity stays intact for the 2026 season. Khalil Mack, the nine-time Pro Bowler and heart of the Bolts’ front seven, has agreed to a one-year, $18 million contract that is fully guaranteed, a source with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Saturday night.
The Bull Rush Continues in Powder Blue
Mack isn’t going anywhere. Despite entering his 13th NFL season at 35 years old, the veteran edge rusher remains the gold standard for consistency in the locker room. The deal, which hasn’t been officially finalized but is essentially a “done deal,” keeps the future Hall of Famer in Los Angeles after a 2025 campaign where he battled through a grueling elbow injury. Even with a stint on the sidelines, Mack managed 5.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in just 12 games, proving he can still disrupt the pocket when it matters most.
The Chargers defense leaned heavily on Mack last year, finishing the regular season with an 11-6 record. While the season ended in a frigid 16-3 Wild Card loss to the New England Patriots, Mack’s presence helped elevate younger stars like Tuli Tuipulotu, who earned his first Pro Bowl nod under the veteran’s wing. With 113 career sacks now on his resume, Mack sits 28th on the all-time list, and this new contract gives him a clear shot at climbing into the top 20 before he hangs up the cleats.
“It was frustrating watching from the sideline last year. I treat every week like it’s the Super Bowl. Coming back wasn’t just about the money; it’s about finishing what we started here under Coach Harbaugh.”
— Khalil Mack, Chargers Outside Linebacker
Championship Window and the 2026 Outlook
By locking up Mack before the new league year begins this Wednesday, General Manager Joe Hortiz has checked off his biggest offseason priority. The move signals that the Chargers believe their championship window is wide open. With Justin Herbert entering his prime and a defense that ranked top-five in net passing yards allowed (179.9 per game) last season, keeping the veteran leadership of Mack was a non-negotiable for Jim Harbaugh’s staff.
The focus now shifts to the other side of the line. Fellow edge rusher Odafe Oweh is a pending free agent, and the league is watching to see if the Chargers can pull off the cap-space gymnastics required to keep that duo together. For now, the “Khalil Bull Rush” is staying in SoFi Stadium, much to the chagrin of AFC West quarterbacks.
