Khalil Mack is ready to grow to be a free agent for the primary time in his 11-year profession. Whether or not the Los Angeles Chargers linebacker decides to check the waters, although, will not be the primary thought on his thoughts.
Mack mentioned Sunday that he’s contemplating retirement however will take his time earlier than making a remaining determination.
“It is plenty of completely different ideas in my head proper now. I am unable to actually converse on a definitive determination on what I’ll do,” Mack mentioned because the Chargers cleaned out their lockers after a 32-12 loss to Houston in an AFC wild-card round game. “I’ve to speak to my spouse, spend a while with my youngsters and check out to not make a rash determination after a loss. I am making an attempt to not be emotional via this course of and assume clearly.”
Mack was chosen to his ninth Professional Bowl this season. He was the one participant within the league this season with a minimum of six sacks and 9 passes defensed.
Mack’s 107.5 sacks since getting into the NFL in 2014 are the third-most over that span. His 256 hurries throughout that point lead the league, and his 454 quarterback pressures are second, together with pressured fumbles (32) and strip-sacks (24).
Nonetheless, Mack hasn’t loved postseason success. This season was solely the fourth time Mack has reached the playoffs, with every journey ending with a loss on the primary weekend.
“I do not need to exit with a loss based mostly on who I’m. I undoubtedly need to make that push and play some necessary video games within the playoffs,” he mentioned. “I’m making an attempt to not assume an excessive amount of forward however give myself a while and a grace interval to assume issues via.”
Mack entered the league in 2014 when the Oakland Raiders made him the fifth general choose within the NFL Draft. He was the 2016 Defensive Participant of the Yr earlier than being traded to the Chicago Bears the week earlier than the 2018 season after he and the Raiders couldn’t agree on a contract extension.
Mack signed a six-year take care of the Bears that kicked in with the 2019 season earlier than being dealt to the Chargers in 2022.
“I advised myself some time in the past that 10 years can be good. I fooled myself once more,” Mack mentioned. “Hoped I had a championship on the finish, however issues occur that you do not plan for. I really feel like my profession has been rolling with the punches, going with the movement, and turning lemons into lemonade.”
Mack mentioned he’s contemplating retirement to spend extra time together with his household, which incorporates two sons, ages 2 and three. He added that bodily, he feels fantastic, particularly since he normally would not observe on Wednesdays main as much as video games.
“It’s extra the psychological pressure of the sport, simply what it takes away from your loved ones. It is among the issues that may weigh heavy on my determination,” he mentioned.
Nonetheless, Mack may re-sign and return for yet one more season to a Chargers squad that made plenty of progress in Jim Harbaugh’s first 12 months as coach. The Bolts completed 11-6, a six-win enchancment from 2023, allowed the fewest factors within the league, and ranked eleventh in complete protection.
Harbaugh has been considered one of Mack’s largest supporters and infrequently lauded the veteran linebacker’s play and the management he delivered to the locker room.
“It was a particular 12 months understanding what he has achieved within the brief time he has been right here and the potential within the constructing. The expansion is inevitable,” Mack mentioned about Harbaugh. “It was spectacular what we had been in a position to do and squeeze out.”
Reporting by The Related Press.
Need nice tales delivered proper to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and comply with leagues, groups and gamers to obtain a personalised e-newsletter every day!
Get extra from Nationwide Soccer League Comply with your favorites to get details about video games, information and extra
