The Detroit Lions are expected to target veteran edge rusher Khalil Mack, who recently decided to continue his NFL career after contemplating retirement. Lions general manager Brad Holmes recently emphasized that the team will not stray from its long-term plan despite the frustration of a playoff loss. With the anticipated return of Aidan Hutchinson and possibly Za’Darius Smith, the Lions’ edge rusher group remains relatively thin, leaving a clear need for reinforcements, whether through free agency or the draft.
Mack, a nine-time Pro Bowler, had hinted after the Chargers’ Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans that he needed time to reflect on his future. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Mack has now confirmed his decision to play in the 2025 season. At 34, Mack is set to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career, and a host of playoff-contending teams in need of a pass rusher will likely pursue him.
While Mack’s sack production dipped significantly in 2024 (from 17 sacks the previous year to just six), he remains an effective pass rusher, ranking in the top 30 for quarterback pressures and top 25 in pass rush win rate among edge rushers with over 200 snaps. Although he hasn’t won a playoff game in his career, Mack has accumulated numerous individual accolades and is now focused on securing a championship.
For the Lions, the main question is what it would cost to sign Mack. After earning over $169 million in his career, he’s unlikely to prioritize a large payday over joining a contender. Spotrac projects his market value at around a one-year, $6.8 million deal, but some flexibility in that range, perhaps around $10 million, could make it feasible for the Lions to sign him. If Mack is open to a short-term deal, he could be a valuable addition to Detroit’s defense.
