As the Kansas City Chiefs enter a pivotal offseason, their hopes of reclaiming AFC West dominance are helped by every rival's misstep. One pending mistake appears to be on the way with Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher Khalil Mack set to enter free agency. Mack is already facing rumors of returning to the Chicago Bears and will be a sought-after free agent with many franchises dealing with pass-rushing concerns. This is reflected in Spotrac's projection that Mack will garner a deal worth $18.4 milllion.
This is a hefty sum for a veteran who is already 34 and has had up-and-down production over the last handful of seasons. Still, it would be a relief for the Chiefs not to deal with a player who has consistently been a thorn in their side in the division rivalry. Mack has 1.5 sacks in the last two matchups against Kansas City, illustrating his value.
It isn't just sack production, but the veteran's presence that has forced Kansas City's tackles to make mistakes. Having the presence that Mack carries adds value and has helped Los Angeles surpass the Chiefs in the division standings in the 2025 season. This points to why fans and pundits will be happy to see Mack depart the division and no longer be an issue for the Chiefs' offense.
Chiefs Fans Can't Help but Get Excited Over Khalil Mack's Expected Offseason Exit
There is a very slight possibility that not only could Mack leave the Chargers, but the Chiefs could attempt to steal the veteran in free agency. Kansas City has a clear need at the edge rushing position, and Mack would be a great answer not only because of the division implications, but also due to an accomplished history that so often has come at the expense of the Chiefs.
Even if it isn't Kansas City that steals Mack away, it appears increasingly probable that the playmaker will soon be removed from the Chiefs' list of concerns. While the Denver Broncos are the reigning division champions, the Chargers bested the Chiefs in the 2025 season and finished far ahead of them in the division standings.
Losing Mack helps prevent this from happening again and removes a playmaker who has every reason to have confidence against Kansas City. The Chiefs tackle situation remains in flux with Jawaan Taylor appearing to be an offseason cut candidate, and second-year tackle Josh Simmons is a bit of a question mark after missing extended time.
Having one less elite edge rusher in your own division takes a bit of the heat off the Chiefs and hands the franchise a better chance to take control of a division they had ruled before the 2025 season. No question, Mack's leaving would be a great development and is looking increasingly probable as we close in on 2026 free agency.