NFL

Former Raiders star Khalil Mack considering retirement

Jan 13, 2025, 6:52 AM

Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack says he is contemplating retirement.

Mack spoke to reporters Sunday as the Chargers cleaned out their lockers one day after a 32-12 loss to the Houston Texans in the AFC wild-card playoff round.

His contract with the Chargers is up and he is headed for unrestricted free agency, but first he has to make the decision about whether or not to continue his playing career.

More on Khalil Mack

“Man, it’s a lot of different thoughts in my head right now,” the 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year said. “I can’t really speak on a definitive decision in terms of what I’m going to do because I don’t know if I’m going to play football moving forward, so there’s some things I gotta talk through with my wife, spend some time with my kids and try not to make a rash decision after a loss.”

When the Chargers lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the playoffs two years ago, Mack made an internal decision to retire but quickly had a change of heart.

“I think I did that a couple of years ago, it ain’t really go too well,” Mack said. “Trying not to be emotional through this process and try to think a little more clearly. That’s going to take time.”

Mack has been a standout pass-rusher across 11 seasons in the NFL and will turn 34 in February. He has been traded twice and signed a six-year contract extension while with the Chicago Bears in 2018. After restructuring his contract ahead of the 2024 season, Mack is an unrestricted free agent for the first time.

Mack recorded two sacks on Saturday in his fifth career playoff game, but his teams have yet to win a playoff game in five tries.

One year removed from a career-best 17-sack campaign, Mack managed six sacks in 16 games in the 2024 regular season. He was named to his ninth Pro Bowl and is also a three-time All-Pro first-teamer (2015, 2016, 2018).

In 167 career games (166 starts) for the Oakland Raiders (2014-17), Bears (2018-21) and Chargers (2022-24), Mack has compiled 107.5 sacks, which ranks tied for 32nd all-time. He has 630 tackles (142 for loss), 32 forced fumbles, 13 fumble recoveries and three interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

More Las Vegas Raiders content from Sactown Sports

The Las Vegas Raiders fired general manager Tom Telesco on Thursday, two days after dismissing head coach Antonio Pierce following a 4-13 season.

“We appreciate his efforts in helping build a foundation for the future,” the team said in a statement. “We wish Tom and his family all the best.”

Telesco, 52, was hired in January 2024. He served as the Chargers’ general manager from 2013 until he was fired along with Los Angeles head coach Brandon Staley following a 63-21 loss to host Las Vegas in December 2023.

Read more below:

Raiders fire GM Tom Telesco after one season

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