Khalil Mack to Green Bay: The Pros, The Cons, and the Risks of a Big Move

As the Green Bay Packers approach free agency in 2025, they find themselves with plenty of salary cap space and a need to add veteran leadership to a young, promising roster. After securing key players like Xavier McKinney and Josh Jacobs in the previous year, general manager Brian Gutekunst is poised to make a big splash once again. One name that has emerged as a potential target is edge rusher Khalil Mack. The nine-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro could be the veteran addition that pushes the Packers’ defense to new heights. However, as with any major free-agent acquisition, there are both pros and cons to consider. Let’s break them down.

Pros

1. Proven, Consistent Disruption

Over his 11-year NFL career, Khalil Mack has been a dominant force on the edge. Averaging over 10 sacks and nearly 20 quarterback hits per season, Mack has consistently provided elite production. Even in recent seasons, his ability to generate pressure has remained formidable, averaging 66 pressures per year over the past three seasons. He would bring a level of consistency and reliability to the Packers’ pass rush, which could be invaluable for a defense aiming to make a deeper playoff run.

2. Ability to Mentor Young Talent

One of the biggest benefits of adding Mack would be the opportunity to pair him with the promising Rashan Gary to form a powerhouse edge duo. Beyond his on-field prowess, Mack’s experience would be invaluable in helping develop younger players like Lukas Van Ness and Brenton Cox Jr. His leadership and football IQ could prove essential for cultivating the next generation of edge rushers for the Packers.

3. Elite Run Defense

Mack has been known for his excellent run defense throughout his career. In fact, he has seven seasons with a run defense grade of 90.0 or higher, including outstanding marks in 2023 and 2024. His ability to both rush the passer and control the line of scrimmage against the run would give the Packers a versatile and well-rounded defender at the position.

4. Durability and Availability

Despite his age, Mack has managed to remain durable throughout his career. He has played in at least 16 games in nine of his 11 seasons. Last year, he missed only one game despite a minor groin injury, proving he can still stay on the field when needed. For the Packers, who have seen injuries derail seasons in the past, Mack’s resilience would be a key asset.

5. Turnover Creation

Mack’s ability to force turnovers sets him apart from other edge rushers. With 32 career forced fumbles and nine over the past three seasons, he is a constant threat to create game-changing moments. His knack for stripping the ball and defending passes at the line of scrimmage adds another dimension to his already impressive skill set.

6. A Strong Fit for a Contender

Mack has yet to win a postseason game, and at 34, it’s likely that he wants to play for a legitimate contender in 2025. The Packers, with their young and rising roster, could sell him on being the final piece to a championship-contending defense. With a solid group around him, Mack could help elevate the Packers’ chances in a tough NFC.

Cons

1. Age and Risk of Decline

Mack is 34 years old, which is a significant factor to consider. The Packers have typically been cautious about signing free agents over 30 due to the increased risk of injury and decline. While Mack has aged well compared to many players, his age still poses a risk, especially as his career nears its end. His situation mirrors that of Julius Peppers, who provided value to the Packers for a few seasons before his own decline.

2. High Financial Cost

Mack is expected to have a robust market as a free agent, meaning that acquiring him will likely come at a high financial cost. For a Packers team already looking to balance its salary cap, committing significant resources to Mack could limit their ability to address other areas of need. With several teams vying for his services, the Packers may have to outbid their competitors to secure his signature.

3. Reduced Role in Recent Seasons

Over the last few seasons, Mack’s snap count has been reduced, with the Chargers limiting him to just 668 snaps in 2024 compared to over 900 in previous years. This reduction in playing time indicates that Mack may not be able to carry the workload of a full-time edge rusher for an entire season. For the Packers, this could mean that they would need to carefully manage his snap count to ensure maximum efficiency without overburdening him.

4. Contemplation of Retirement

Mack’s contemplation of retirement following the 2024 season is another factor to weigh. While he may still have a couple of productive years left, his mindset could significantly impact his motivation and performance. The Packers, who are looking to build a sustainable long-term defense, might find it risky to invest in a player who may not be fully committed to the future.

5. Potential Desire to Stay with the Chargers

Mack has expressed his fondness for Los Angeles and the Chargers’ future under head coach Jim Harbaugh. Given the Chargers’ ample cap space and the familiarity he has with the team, there is a possibility that Mack will opt to stay with them on a short-term deal. If the Packers are unable to convince him to join their ranks, they may lose out on this potential addition.

6. Inconsistent Finishing Plays

While Mack is known for his ability to generate pressure, his consistency in finishing plays has occasionally been a concern. He has had seasons where his missed tackle percentage exceeds 20.0%, which is an area where the Packers would need to ensure he remains sharp if they are to maximize his impact on defense.

Conclusion

Khalil Mack could be a game-changing addition for the Green Bay Packers in 2025, bringing both experience and elite-level production to their defense. However, the risks associated with his age, financial cost, and potential decline cannot be overlooked. If the Packers can secure Mack on a reasonable contract and manage his workload effectively, he could provide a significant boost to their pass rush and help lead them back to the top of the NFC. Ultimately, the decision to pursue Mack comes down to balancing his potential immediate impact with the long-term sustainability of the Packers’ roster.