Khalil Mack will turn into a free agent for the primary time in his 11-year profession. Whether the Los Angeles Chargers linebacker decides to check the waters, although, is not the primary thought on his thoughts.
Mack stated Sunday that he’s contemplating retirement however will take his time earlier than making a ultimate choice.
“There’s a number of totally different ideas in my head proper now. I am unable to actually discuss a ultimate choice on what I’m going to do,” Mack stated because the Chargers cleaned out their lockers after a 32-12 loss to Houston in a spherical of Cards AFC wildcard. “I want to speak to my spouse, spend a while with my children and check out to not make a rash choice after a loss. I’m attempting to not be emotional throughout this course of and to assume clearly.”
Mack was chosen to his ninth Pro Bowl this season. He was the one participant within the league this season with no less than six sacks and 9 passes defensed.
Mack’s 107.5 sacks since coming into the NFL in 2014 are the third-most in that span. His 256 speeding hits throughout that span lead the league, and his 454 quarterback pressures are second, together with pressured fumbles (32) and strip-sacks (24).
However, Mack didn’t take pleasure in postseason success. This season was simply the fourth time Mack made the playoffs, and every journey ended with a loss on the primary weekend.
“I do not wish to exit with a loss based mostly on who I’m. I positively wish to make that push and play some huge video games within the playoffs,” he stated. “I’m attempting to not assume an excessive amount of in regards to the future, however to offer myself a while and a grace interval to assume issues by way of.”
Mack entered the league in 2014 when the Oakland Raiders chosen him with the fifth general decide within the NFL Draft. He was the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year earlier than being traded to the Chicago Bears the week earlier than the 2018 season after he and the Raiders did not agree on a contract extension.
Mack signed a six-year contract with the Bears that started with the 2019 season earlier than being traded to the Chargers in 2022.
“I informed myself some time in the past that 10 years could be good. I fooled myself once more,” Mack stated. “I hoped to win a championship finally, however issues occur that you do not plan for. I really feel like my profession has rolled with the punches, going with the movement and turning lemons into lemonade.”
Mack stated he’s contemplating retirement to spend extra time along with his household, which incorporates two sons, ages 2 and three. He added that bodily he feels good, particularly since he often would not practice on Wednesdays earlier than video games.
“It’s extra the psychological pressure of the sport, simply what it takes away from your loved ones. That’s one of many issues that can weigh closely on my choice,” he stated.
However, Mack may re-sign and return for an additional season on a Chargers staff that has made a number of progress in Jim Harbaugh’s first 12 months as coach. The Bolts completed 11-6, a six-win enchancment over 2023, allowed the fewest factors within the league and ranked eleventh in whole protection.
Harbaugh has been one among Mack’s greatest supporters and sometimes praised the veteran linebacker’s play and the management he dropped at the locker room.
“It’s been a particular 12 months to know what he is achieved within the brief time he is been right here and the potential of the constructing. Growth is inevitable,” Mack stated of Harbaugh. “It was spectacular what we had been in a position to do and obtain.”
Associated Press reporting.
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