The Super Bowl is over, giving the Chicago Bears the green light to start executing their offseason plan. The Bears showed tremendous improvement under head coach Ben Johnson's first season with the franchise, leaving it up to general manager Ryan Poles to figure out how to build on that success with some offseason upgrades.
As usual, March's NFL free agency period is one tool Poles can use to bolster the Bears' ranks. The fact that the 2026 salary cap is estimated to increase by up to $26.5 million could help Chicago add some difference-making free agents, including one who used to call the Windy City home: Khalil Mack.
While several free agents can help with what the Bears need, a reunion with the nine-time Pro Bowl disruptor is something Poles must make a priority.
Khalil Mack Must Be Bears' Top Target to Begin Free Agency
The Bears' defense was solid, for the most part, under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's guidance last season; however, the pass rush was one area that came up short. Chicago's 35 sacks were tied for the seventh-fewest in the league, while only two players finished with two full sacks or more.
That's where the need to reunite with Mack comes in.
The former AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year is a beloved face around the Windy City after spending four seasons with Chicago (2018-21). Mack was one of the NFL's most feared defenders during that stretch, racking up 36.0 sacks and 121 solo tackles while forcing 14 fumbles, making it easy to see the allure behind a Bears return.
Mack isn't the same player anymore, but that doesn't mean he's not an impact player. Despite being 34 years old, Mack was still a solid presence for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025, recording 5.5 sacks — which would've ranked third on the Bears — and four forced fumbles (no one in Chicago had more than three).
Additionally, Mack recorded 42 total pressures across 296 pass-rushing downs, according to Pro Football Focus. His performance actually became more productive as the season progressed, as he tallied 25 pressures in his last six games compared to the 17 he was credited with in his first seven outings.
Of course, the financial situation will likely be the deciding factor in the Bears' potential bid to bring Mack home. While Spotrac lists his projected market value to be $18.4 million annually, OverTheCap has his 2025 valuation at just over $7.1 million, which is a much more palatable number for the Bears.
Mack has made it clear that he wants to win a Super Bowl title before he retires, and the Bears could represent his best shot to accomplish that goal. Chicago's offense can hang with the NFL's best units, and injecting Mack back into the defensive unit could firmly launch the franchise into next year's championship conversation and beyond. Perhaps the thought of that can convince him to take a team-friendly deal.
At the end of the day, a Bears-Mack reunion makes too much sense for Poles not to at least try to get the ball rolling. Chicago's pass rush needs help. Mack wants to win a ring. Bears fans want to cheer for No. 52 again. Not testing the waters, at the very least, would be a disservice to everyone involved.
That's why Poles and the Bears must contact Mack's agent, Joel Segal, as soon as they can to lay the groundwork for a Windy City return.