The Chicago Bears are slated to play their biggest game since 2010, as they have a chance to clinch a trip to the NFC Championship Game. With just eight teams left in the dance, the majority of the league has started thinking about the future, and former Bear Khalil Mack just joined the list.
Following the Chargers' loss to the New England Patriots, Mack spoke to reporters as he's set to hit free agency for the second time in his career. Per ESPN's Kris Rhim, Mack is pondering his future but still wants to retire a champion. And with how the Bears look under Ben Johnson, a return to the Windy City might be in the cards.
Khalil Mack Return to Bears Could Be in the Cards
The Bears could use some more juice off the edge, and Mack is a player who could certainly help in that area. He's been with the Chargers for the past four years and has been productive. Despite missing some time with an elbow injury this season, Mack still racked up 5.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, 39 total pressures, and 28 hurries. On Pro Football Focus, he logged an 83 overall grade (12th among 115 graded edge rushers), 68.9 pass-rush grade (44th among 115 graded edge rushers), and an 80.6 run-defense grade (8th among 115 graded edge rushers).
Mack is set to turn 35 years old in February, but this season showed he still has juice left in the tank. Los Angeles has work to do this offseason to make a serious jump, meanwhile, the Bears are set to make upgrades on the defensive side of the ball.
With Ben Johnson cooking on the offensive side of the ball, it'll be a point of emphasis to improve the defense. And pass rush help will be atop the list. Montez Sweat led the team in sacks (10), but Austin Booker came in with the second most sacks at the edge spot with 4.5.
They need more production from that position group, and Mack is a guy that had plenty of success in the Windy City. Between 2018 and 2021, he had 36 sacks, 35 TFLs, 52 QB hits, and 14 forced fumbles. The University at Buffalo product was a game wrecker for Chicago, but that player is still there. Even if he's an older version of himself, he could still provide the Bears with a two-way edge that can create problems in the backfield.
He wants to compete for a championship, while the Bears will look for more edge help. It's a situation that works out for both sides, and it would be a situation where Chicago fans would welcome Mack back with open arms.