Khalil Mack returning to Chicago would be a reunion in more ways than one and exactly what the Bears need on defense
We all know by now how important this offseason is going to be for the Chicago Bears, in the short-term and the long-term.The Bears have the required talent on the roster needed to compete and have added a stacked coaching staff to help them reach their potential.Still, some upgrades need to be made on the […]
We all know by now how important this offseason is going to be for the Chicago Bears, in the short-term and the long-term.
The Bears have the required talent on the roster needed to compete and have added a stacked coaching staff to help them reach their potential.
Still, some upgrades need to be made on the roster, primarily in the trenches. Something that was only spotlighted after watching the Philadelphia Eagles dominate their way to a Super Bowl win by the strength of their offensive and defensive line.
After seeing Caleb Williams get sacked 68 times in 2024, the Bears are positioning themselves to invest heavily on the offensive line in free agency, but don't overlook the front office adding another impact pass rusher, something new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen hinted to during his introductory press conference.
“I think we’re always looking for talent acquisition, player acquisition, guys that we feel like can come in and fit into our system that can help us grow as a defensive line," Allen said. "But what our job is as coaches, our job is to develop. And so we’re going to take the pieces that we have in place, we’re going to add the necessary ingredients that we need to create what we need to be able to do from a defensive standpoint. I’m excited about working with the guys that we have, and I’m looking forward to working with Ryan and his staff to see if we can’t find some pieces to add to it.”
The Bears are set to return both starting edge rushers in Montez Sweat and DeMarcus Walker, along with both interior starters in Gervon Dexter Sr. and Andrew Billings. However, last season showed the team could benefit with some better talent at either position going into 2025.
Finding someone to take the pressure of Sweat will be a top priority on the defensive side of the ball. As good and versatile as Walker is, the Bears would save $5.25 million in cap space by moving on from him this offseason. But, that move could only be done if you bring in someone better.
Looking at the free agent market, there's some intriguing names that pop off the screen at the position including Josh Sweat, Azeez Ojulari, and Khalil Mack. Of the those three, Mack is the most appealing and could led to more than one reunion.
Mack played four seasons in Chicago from 2018-2021 and became an immediate fan favorite after the Bears traded a haul to bring in the former Defensive Player of the Year. The trade never panned out and the Bears eventually shipped Mack to the Chargers without much in return.
Now would be the perfect time for a reunion. By signing with the Bears, Mack would also reunite with his former head coach that drafted him in Dennis Allen, who now serves as the Bears' new defensive coordinator.
"The thing that really was attractive about Khalil Mack was the fact that he understands how to rush the passer. And he understands how to rush the passer with power," Allen said back in 2014 after Mack was drafted.
Unfortunately, Allen never got to see the rewards of his top investment. Allen was fired four weeks into the 2014 season and later became the defensive coordinator with the New Orleans Saints. Allen never got a real chance to work with the weapon that went on to record 107.5 sacks in 11 seasons, but perhaps now he can.
Mack fits everything Allen is searching for to round out his defensive line. Mack is an attacking force of the edge and incredibly effective against the run, even at 33-years-old. In 2024, Mack ranked second among all edge rushers with a 87.7 run defense grade while adding 52 total pressures and 9.0 sacks per PFF.
That kind of production and energy would be the perfect fit for the Bears to complement Montez Sweat and Mack's age would help lower his price, although other teams will obviously be interested.
Returning to a familiar city to finish his career would be perfect for Mack and landing him on a short-term deal to attack the QB and develop young pass rushers such as Austin Booker would be perfect for the Bears. If the moneys right, this should be an ideal target to pursue in free agency.
