Chargers, Khalil Mack agree to deal to return for 2026 season

The Los Angeles Chargers took care of a big piece of business for themselves ahead of the start of the new league year. The Chargers announced on Saturday that they have agreed to terms with the nine-time Pro Bowl linebacker on a one-year deal that will keep him in Los Angeles for the 2026 season.

The contract is worth $18 million, all of which is guaranteed, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Khalil Mack chooses one more year with the Chargers

Mack has played each of the past four seasons with the Chargers and is coming off a 2025 season that saw him record a career-low 5.5 sacks. He was limited to just 12 games due to injury and was not quite 100% throughout the year. 

That could be a potential red flag going into this season.

Mack is going to be 35 years old, and pass-rushers do not always age gracefully the deeper they get into their 30s. At some point, you start to remember why it is primarily a young player's game. 

Having said that, there is not much of a risk here for the Chargers. They are loaded with salary cap space this offseason (and can easily create more), and there is no long-term risk beyond this season. Mack also played well (even if the sack numbers were not consistently there) when he was healthy in 2025. Given his status as a team leader, the fact that this should be considered a win-now season, and that he might still have something left to offer, makes a sensible move for the Chargers.