Chargers' Khalil Mack Makes NFL History with $18 Million Deal

Veteran edge rusher signs one-year contract extension, becoming highest-paid defensive player in league history.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Veteran NFL linebacker Khalil Mack has signed a one-year, $18 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Chargers, making him the highest-paid defensive player in league history with over $205 million earned across 13 seasons.

Why it matters

Mack's record-breaking deal highlights his elite status as one of the league's premier pass rushers and signals the Chargers' commitment to building a championship-caliber defense around their young star quarterback Justin Herbert.

The details

Mack's new contract with the Chargers is fully guaranteed and will keep the 9-time Pro Bowler and 3-time First-Team All-Pro in Los Angeles for a fifth season. The 32-year-old edge rusher was previously set to become an unrestricted free agent but opted to remain with the Chargers, who have nearly $100 million in salary cap space to address other roster needs this offseason.

  • On March 8, 2026, Mack signed the one-year, $18 million contract extension with the Chargers.

The players

Khalil Mack

A 32-year-old veteran linebacker who has made 9 Pro Bowls and 3 First-Team All-Pro selections over his 13-year NFL career, including being named the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year.

Justin Herbert

The Chargers' young star quarterback who the team is building around, with the goal of adding more talent and protection on the offensive side of the ball this offseason.

Joe Hortiz

The Chargers' general manager who will have nearly $100 million in salary cap space to work with this offseason as he looks to improve the team's roster around Herbert and Mack.

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What’s next

The Chargers will now turn their attention to other key free agents like Odafe Oweh, as well as addressing needs on the offensive side of the ball to surround Justin Herbert with more talent and protection.

The takeaway

Mack's record-breaking contract extension underscores the value of elite pass rushers in the modern NFL, and the Chargers' willingness to invest heavily in their defensive core as they aim to build a Super Bowl contender around their young franchise quarterback.