Khalil Mack is standing at a pivotal moment in his career. After the Chargers’ 2025 season came to a frustrating end with a playoff loss to the Patriots, the veteran linebacker now finds himself weighing a major decision: hang up the cleats or suit up for at least one more run. And if he does decide to return, don’t be surprised if the next chapter of his career takes him to Tampa Bay.
Mack, now a free agent, isn’t rushing into anything. He’s made it clear that his decision will come down to how things feel - the “vibes,” as he put it - and how his family factors into the equation.
He’s not letting the sting of that playoff exit cloud his judgment. This is about more than just football.
It’s about life, legacy, and whether the fire still burns.
That said, there’s still plenty of gas in the tank.
Even while battling through a mid-season elbow injury - one that forced him to strap on a brace and tweak his style - Mack continued to be a disruptive force. He admitted the injury took away some of his trademark explosiveness early on, but he never leaned on it as an excuse.
He still drew double teams. He still took on chip blocks.
He still found ways to win. And by season’s end, he pushed his career sack total to 113 - a number that speaks to both his talent and longevity.
For teams in need of steady edge production, Mack’s name is very much in the mix. And Tampa Bay is one of the more intriguing potential landing spots.
The Buccaneers finished last season with 37 sacks - good for 18th in the league. Respectable, but not where they want to be.
Todd Bowles’ defense thrives on pressure, and while Mack may not be the every-down terror he once was, he still has the ability to collapse pockets and create chaos in key moments. In Bowles’ system, he could be deployed as a situational weapon - a role that suits a veteran looking to maximize impact without shouldering a full-time workload.
Despite missing five games due to that elbow issue, Mack still managed to post 5.5 sacks and 28 pressures. That’s not just surviving - that’s producing.
But Mack isn’t the only name on Tampa’s radar. The Bucs are reportedly exploring a blockbuster move for Raiders star Maxx Crosby.
With Las Vegas entering what looks like a rebuild, and Crosby eager to join a contender, the timing could be right. He’s currently recovering from meniscus surgery, which may slow down trade talks until closer to the NFL Draft, but the interest is real.
Whether it’s a splashy trade for a game-changer like Crosby or a savvy veteran signing like Mack, one thing is clear: the Buccaneers are prioritizing their pass rush this offseason. They know that to compete at the highest level, you have to get after the quarterback - and they’re leaving no stone unturned in that pursuit.
As for Mack, the decision is his. But if the vibes are right in Tampa, don’t be surprised if he’s suiting up in pewter and red come fall.