Chicago, IL – The rumors have swirled for weeks, but now it appears reality is setting in: Khalil Mack is coming back to Chicago.
After three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, the six-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher is reportedly nearing a deal that will bring him back to the team that made him the face of their defense in 2018. Multiple league sources confirm that negotiations between Mack’s camp and the Chicago Bears have reached an advanced stage, with only a few final details left to iron out.
This move marks yet another aggressive offseason play by general manager Ryan Poles, who has made it clear that he’s building a roster designed to win now.
A Reunion Years in the Making
Mack’s return is a full-circle moment for both the player and the franchise. The Bears originally acquired him in a blockbuster trade with the Raiders in 2018, a move that instantly turned their defense into one of the NFL’s most feared units. That season, Mack led the charge as the Bears went 12-4, winning the NFC North behind a relentless pass rush and dominant defensive play.
Though injuries slowed him in later seasons, Mack remained one of the league’s most respected defenders before the Bears traded him to the Chargers in 2022 as part of a rebuild. Now, as Chicago emerges from that transition period with a new-look roster and a potential franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams, Mack’s experience and leadership could be the final piece to solidify the team’s defensive resurgence.
Why the Bears Are Bringing Him Back
At 34, Mack is no longer the same player who terrorized quarterbacks in his prime, but he remains highly effective. In 2024, he recorded six sacks and 41 pressures for the Chargers, proving he still has plenty left in the tank. The Bears, who made a splash at the trade deadline last year by acquiring Montez Sweat, are now looking to bolster their pass rush even further.
Adding Mack to the mix gives Chicago an experienced veteran who can contribute in key moments, help mentor younger defenders, and provide stability to a defense that struggled at times last season. With head coach Ben Johnson taking over in his first year, the move signals that the Bears want to surround their new coaching staff with as much proven talent as possible.
A Perfect Fit for the Rebuild
Chicago’s aggressive approach this offseason has been evident. In addition to bolstering their offensive line with Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, the Bears have also been linked to top free-agent center Drew Dalman, indicating that Poles is leaving nothing to chance when it comes to protecting Caleb Williams.
The strategy makes sense: invest heavily while Williams is still on his rookie contract. With the young quarterback set to be the face of the franchise, locking in veteran talent now gives Chicago a multi-year window to compete before Williams eventually commands a massive extension.
Bringing Mack back fits perfectly into that timeline. Reports suggest the Bears are willing to offer a two-year deal worth around $45 million, with $40 million in guaranteed money. The financial commitment shows that Chicago is serious about competing immediately while still keeping an eye on the future.
What This Means for the Bears’ Defense
Pairing Mack with Montez Sweat gives Chicago a formidable edge-rushing duo—one that could instantly make the defense one of the league’s most dangerous. With young talents like Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon emerging in the secondary, the Bears suddenly look like a team capable of shutting down high-powered offenses.
Defensive coordinator Eric Washington will have the luxury of deploying Mack in more situational roles, keeping him fresh and maximizing his impact. Unlike his first stint in Chicago, Mack won’t be asked to carry the entire defense. Instead, he’ll complement Sweat while also mentoring younger players like Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens on the defensive line.
A Storybook Return?
For Bears fans, Mack’s return is more than just a strategic roster move—it’s an emotional one. His presence was a defining feature of Chicago’s 2018 playoff run, and many still regard him as one of the best defenders to ever wear the navy and orange. Seeing him back in Soldier Field, this time as a battle-tested veteran looking to finish what he started, is sure to energize both the locker room and the fanbase.
Of course, the real test will come on the field. Can Mack still be a difference-maker at this stage of his career? Will the Bears’ investment in veterans pay off as they aim to return to playoff contention?
One thing is certain: Khalil Mack is back, and Chicago is ready to embrace him once again.
