• Wed. Feb 19th, 2025

Lions expected to sign experienced edge rusher who has chosen his path forward.

ByGbemiro Timmy

Jan 26, 2025

With the offseason underway, the Detroit Lions can begin assessing their needs. As general manager Brad Holmes stated in his season-ending press conference, there will be no deviation from the plan to chase a “Super Bowl window” that some view as closing.

 

That said, there is a demand out there that Holmes can’t overlook, and he should have a simpler time satisfying it than he had before this last season’s trade deadline. Aside from the healthy comeback of Aidan Hutchinson and the anticipated return of Za’Darius Smith, the Lions’ edge rusher unit appears lacking. Therefore, through free agency or the draft, or possibly both, additional support is set to be included.

The Lions understand the disappointment that comes with a playoff loss at the end of the season, and players ought not to rush into decisions about their future following such an event. Following the Los Angeles Chargers’ Wild Card Round defeat against the Houston Texans, Khalil Mack mentioned he would spend some time contemplating his desire to continue playing or not.

 

This week, Adam Schefter from ESPN announced that Mack has chosen a path regarding his future.

 

Khalil Mack, a nine-time Pro-Bowl linebacker, stated after the Chargers’ playoff defeat to the Texans that he needed time to contemplate his future, and sources confirm he will play in the 2025 season. “Mack’s contract expires, and he is set to become an unrestricted free agent.”

Mack, who will celebrate his 34th birthday in February, will enter the unrestricted free agent market for the first time ever. The pool of suitors for him will naturally lean toward strong teams that require assistance with pass rushing.

 

Lions expected to bring in Khalil Mack, but what will the expense be?

 

Zack Cook from SportsGrid has made an initial forecast that the Lions will bring Mack on board.

 

Provided Khalil Mack chooses not to retire, he has shown he remains a significant presence on defense. “If he chooses to continue playing, it’s likely he’ll secure a temporary contract with a contender aiming to strengthen their lineup.”

 

Certainly, the query of whether Mack opted to play in the next season, unless there is a change, has been resolved.

Mack’s sack tally decreased from 17 in 2023 to only six this season, although he recorded two sacks in the defeat against the Texans. He may not be the same as when he ranked among the league’s top pass rushers, but this season, he still placed in the top-30 for quarterback pressures (per Pro Football Focus) and was top-25 in overall pass rush win rate among edge rushers with a minimum of 200 pass-rushing snaps.

 

Mack has yet to win a playoff game throughout his career (0-for-5). He possesses every personal achievement he could desire (2016 Defensive Player of the Week, nine-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro), meaning he’s now at a point in his career where he seeks team success

The dilemma concerning Mack for the Lions, or any team potentially looking at him, is the price. Is he seeking a contract that spans several years? What will he desire regarding money? Having accumulated $169.5 million in on-field earnings throughout his career so far, he likely won’t place more importance on the chance of a final lucrative payout than joining a team capable of winning the Super Bowl.

 

Concerning Mack’s market value, Spotrac appears to be solidly on the lower side, estimating a one-year contract for him at $6.8 million. However, there ought to be reciprocal interest between him and the Lions, and within reasonable limits ($10 million? roughly?) on a one-year contract, the Lions should be capable of being financially competitive with any other interested parties he might have.

 

 

 

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