Why Khalil Mack is a free agent again

On Saturday, they agreed to a contract extension with Mack as the future Hall of Famer returns in free agency.

Khalil Mack rides in the powder blue.

announced Saturday that they have agreed to a contract extension with Mack, a veteran who turned 35 last month.

Mack is set to become an unrestricted free agent when the 2026 NFL season begins Wednesday at 1:00 PM (PT).

But — for the second year in a row — making Mack a high priority in free agency ensures the future Hall of Famer doesn't end up with another team.

A year ago, Mack said he was weighing options between retirement and returning for a 12th season.Signed a 1-year contract with the Bolts in free agency.

Mack's voice is a little different after the end of the 2025 season. Although he still has some thoughts about retirement, he seems more open to returning for 13 years.

But will it be with him?

Mack, a nine-time All-Star, responded that by saying yes to this new extension, it's further proof that he believes in the direction he's headed under general manager Joe Hortiz, head coach Jim Harbaugh and quarterback Justin Herbert.

Plus, Mack likely feels a fire in his belly after missing the playoffs early and not getting a chance to play a full season in 2025.

Mack suffered an elbow injury in Week 2 that caused him to miss four games.He still had 5.5 sacks, which moves him to 113.0 for his career.Mack currently ranks seventh among active players.

"It was frustrating. But it's not what happens to you, it's how you deal with it," Mack said.“I faced him every week because we were playing in the Super Bowl and I had to come back.

"It helped me get my momentum, my drive and my speed, even though it was a horrible injury," Mack added."It kept me from rushing and getting my full strength back."

Los Angeles today agreed to a contract extension with linebacker Khalil Mack.Outside linebacker Khalil Mack recorded 4 forced fumbles, 5.5 sacks, 6 tackles for loss and 11 QB hits during the 2026 season.

Mack's return is a pillar of leadership and work ethic that will remain on defense as the Bolts transition to a new defensive coordinator in Chris O'Leary.

Mack is perhaps the most respected player in the entire locker room, something he has gained from his play and ability to mentor young players.

While he had a hand in the growth of Thuli Tuipulotu, he also worked behind the scenes to encourage Tarheeb Still and others to put in the necessary work in the offseason.

And Mack isn't afraid to speak up when necessary, as he did during a short week in late October before Thursday night's home game against the Vikings.

Sitting at 4-3, Mack lit a fire among the Bolts that inspired a dominating 37-10 win over Minnesota and sparked a streak of seven wins in eight games.

"If the boys like this talk, everyone listens," Tuipulotu said."Especially if he's not a talker, when he talks everyone listens."

"We all take him for granted because he has done a lot of good things in this league," added Tuipulotu."He knows what needs to be done."

As Mack enters his junior year, it is clear that he is taking every year of his career at this point.However, it is worth noting that he is now entering his fifth year in Southern California, where he has played longer than any of his previous NFL games.

By returning to , he showed that he believes his best chance to win is with the Bolts.

Now it's up to Mac to help guide him toward accomplishing his goals, which of course includes failure.

And it's up to them to continue making smart moves in free agency ahead of the 2026 season.

Check out our free agent tracker 2026.

See 2026 draft picks.

See 2026 opponents.