With the offseason underway, the Detroit Lions can begin to assess their needs. As general manager Brad Holmes stated in his season-ending press conference, there will be no deviation from the strategy to chase a “Super Bowl window” that some believe is narrowing.
With that in mind, there is a demand that Holmes cannot overlook, and he ought to find it simpler to meet this need than he did before the trade deadline of the previous season. Aside from the healthy return of Aidan Hutchinson and the expected comeback of Za’Darius Smith, the Lions’ edge rusher unit appears to be lacking depth. Thus, through free agency, the draft, or possibly a combination of both, additional players are expected to be acquired.
The Lions understand the feeling of disappointment that comes with a playoff loss at the end of the season, and athletes should avoid hasty choices regarding their future as a result of it. However, following the Los Angeles Chargers’ Wild Card Round defeat against the Houston Texans, Khalil Mack mentioned he would take time to consider if he wished to continue playing.
This week, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Mack has decided on his future.
“Nine-time Pro-Bowl linebacker Khalil Mack, who mentioned following the Chargers’ playoff defeat to the Texans that he needed time to consider his future, will definitely participate in the 2025 season, according to a source.” “Mack’s contract has ended, and he is set to become an unrestricted free agent.”
Mack, turning 34 in February, will experience unrestricted free agency for the first time in his career. The pool of suitors for him will likely favor strong teams that require assistance with their pass rush.
Lions expected to acquire Khalil Mack, but what would the expense be?
Zack Cook from SportsGrid has made a preliminary prediction that the Lions will acquire Mack.
“Provided Khalil Mack chooses not to retire, he has shown that he can remain a powerful influence on defense.” “If he chooses to continue playing, it’s likely he’ll secure a temporary contract with a playoff team aiming to enhance their lineup.”
Certainly, the question of whether Mack opted to play next season, unless there is a change, has been resolved.
Mack’s sack total decreased from 17 in 2023 to only six sacks this season, although he recorded two sacks during the defeat against the Texans. He may not be the player he used to be when he was among the league’s elite pass rushers, yet he still ranked in the top-30 for quarterback pressures (per Pro Football Focus) this season, and was top-25 in overall pass rush win rate among edge rushers with a minimum of 200 pass rushing snaps.
Mack has yet to secure a victory in a playoff game throughout his career (0-for-5). He possesses all the personal achievements he could desire (2016 Defensive Player of the Week, nine-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro), so he’s at a point in his career where he seeks team success.
The issue concerning Mack for the Lions, or any team that might want him, is the price. Is he going to seek a long-term contract? What will he desire regarding finances? Having earned $169.5 million in on-field income throughout his career so far, he likely won’t prioritize the chance for a final lucrative payday over joining a team capable of winning the Super Bowl.
Concerning Mack’s market worth, Spotrac appears to be strongly positioned at the lower end with a forecast of a one-year, $6.8 million contract for him. There needs to be reciprocal interest between him and the Lions, and within limits (around $10 million?) for a one-year contract, the Lions should be capable of matching any other offers he receives.