Veteran Mack Returns to Chargers, Seeks Elusive Playoff Win

Nine-time Pro Bowler signs one-year, $18M deal to chase championship with Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Veteran edge rusher Khalil Mack has agreed to return to the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year, $18 million guaranteed contract. Mack, a 35-year-old nine-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro, will enter his 13th NFL season and fifth with the Chargers, looking to finally capture his first career playoff victory.

Why it matters

Mack has reached the postseason six times with the Chargers, Bears and Raiders, but has yet to win a playoff game, a glaring omission on his Hall of Fame-caliber resume. His return to the Chargers, led by rising star quarterback Justin Herbert and veteran coach Jim Harbaugh, gives Mack another chance to lead his team to a championship.

The details

After the Chargers' first-round playoff loss to the Patriots in January, Mack briefly considered retirement but ultimately decided to return for another season. He suffered a dislocated elbow in Week 2 last year that limited him to just 5.5 sacks, his lowest total since his rookie year. However, Mack remained dominant against the run and was a key part of the Chargers' formidable pass-rush trio down the stretch.

  • Mack reached the playoffs six times in his career, but has yet to win a playoff game.
  • In January 2026, the Chargers lost to the Patriots in the first round of the playoffs.
  • In Week 2 of the 2025 season, Mack suffered a dislocated elbow that kept him out until Week 7.

The players

Khalil Mack

A 35-year-old veteran edge rusher and nine-time Pro Bowler who has agreed to return to the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year, $18 million guaranteed contract.

Justin Herbert

The rising star quarterback of the Los Angeles Chargers, who will be teaming up with Mack for another season.

Jim Harbaugh

The veteran head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, who will be leading the team alongside Mack and Herbert in their quest for a championship.

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What they’re saying

“I love this game, with the ups and the downs. It just makes you appreciate what you got to put in to win in this league. It's the ultimate game, bro, when it comes to team and playing for your brothers.”

— Khalil Mack (The Athletic)

“I'm naturally just a competitor. It's in me since I was a kid. I grew up with my two other brothers, and that's all I knew, was competition and competing and trying to be the best. I want to ultimately be a champion.”

— Khalil Mack (The Athletic)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Mack's return to the Chargers gives him another chance to finally capture that elusive first playoff victory and cement his legacy as one of the all-time great pass rushers. With Herbert and Harbaugh leading the way, the Chargers have the talent and experience to make a deep postseason run.