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Khalil Mack Linked to Two NFC Teams Ahead of First Free Agency Foray

One of the top pass rushers available has been linked to a pair of NFC teams with free agency around the corner.

Liam McKeone

Mack will be a free agent for the first time in his 10-year career
Mack will be a free agent for the first time in his 10-year career / Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
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Khalil Mack will officially become a free agent for the first time in his illustrious NFL career when the new league year begins on March 12. While Mack is no longer at the peak of his powers the five-time All-Pro is still quite capable of making a difference from the edge, recording six sacks last year for the Los Angeles Chargers after posting a career-high 17 quarterback takedowns in 2023.

The 34-year-old star pass rusher should be a popular man when free agency begins. To whit, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Sunday that rumors are linking Mack to two NFC teams with nearly two weeks to go before the fun begins: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears.

"Teams agree edge rusher Khalil Mack played lights out last season," Fowler wrote, "and the only real concern with his free agency is age (he's 34). A few people I've talked to have made potential connections to the Buccaneers and Bears. Tampa Bay typically doesn't spend big on external free agents but is looking for pass-rush help."

The Bears ranked 16th in total sacks last season and the Bucs ranked seventh. So neither team is in dire need of pass-rushing help. However, both franchises have quality edge pieces set to hit free agency in March. Tampa Bay could lose one or both of Lavonte David and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. Chicago cut Demarcus Walker last week and may see Darrell Taylor walk.

Mack would certainly help offset such losses even if he isn't capable of terrorizing a QB all on his own anymore. Teams also could be interested in whatever veteran mentorship he can bring to the table. It will be intriguing to see where Mack ends up.

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Liam McKeone
LIAM MCKEONE

Liam McKeone is a senior writer for the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. He has been in the industry as a content creator since 2017, and prior to joining SI in May 2024, McKeone worked for NBC Sports Boston and The Big Lead. In addition to his work as a writer, he has hosted the Press Pass Podcast covering sports media and The Big Stream covering pop culture. A graduate of Fordham University, he is always up for a good debate and enjoys loudly arguing about sports, rap music, books and video games. McKeone has been a member of the National Sports Media Association since 2020.

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