Chargers' Khalil Mack reportedly plans to play in 2025 after mulling retirement

Khalil Mack will be back on the gridiron next fall.

The star edge rusher, who'll turn 34 in February, will hold off retirement for another season and is expected to play in the 2025 season, ESPN reported Wednesday. Mack openly contemplated retiring after the Los Angeles Chargers' wild-card round loss to the Houston Texans. 

"It's a lot of different thoughts in my head right now. I can't really speak on a definitive decision on what I'm going to do," Mack told reporters as Chargers players cleared out their lockers following their playoff defeat. "I have to talk to my wife, spend some time with my kids and try not to make a rash decision after a loss. I'm trying not to be emotional through this process and think clearly."

While Mack plans to continue playing in 2025, where he does so remains to be seen. He's set to become a free agent when the new league year begins in March, marking the first time in his career he'll hit the open market. 

Mack could generate a good amount of buzz in free agency if the Chargers don't extend him before then. He was a Pro Bowler for the ninth time in his 11-year career in 2024, recording 39 total tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. 

His 107.5 sacks since entering the NFL in 2014 are the third-most over that span. Mack ranks second in quarterback pressures (454), forced fumbles (32) and strip-sacks (24), and he leads the league in hurries (256).

Should he hit free agency, expect Mack to prioritize playing for a winner. His comments after the Chargers' season-ending loss indicated as much. 

"I don't want to go out with a loss based on who I am. I definitely want to make that push and play some important games in the playoffs," Mack said. "I am trying not to think too