Before the 2018 NFL season began, the Green Bay Packers made a significant effort to acquire Khalil Mack, who was then with the Oakland Raiders. Mack essentially forced the team’s hand by sitting out the entire training camp, compelling them to trade him.

Brian Gutekunst, in his inaugural year as Green Bay’s general manager, was prepared to offer a first-round pick and several other draft selections to land the three-time Pro Bowler and 2016 Defensive Player of the Year. However, the Packers were ultimately outbid by the Chicago Bears, who sent two first-round picks, a third-rounder, and a sixth-rounder to Oakland, and promptly signed Mack to a six-year, $141 million contract extension.

Mack spent four seasons in Chicago, earning three Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors before being traded to the Los Angeles Chargers, where he played for the last three years and was selected to the Pro Bowl each season. Although the future Hall of Famer just turned 34, he is still considered one of the premier defensive players set to enter free agency. Many believe the Packers would be an ideal destination for him, including former Green Bay safety Matt Bowen, now an ESPN analyst.

“Pairing Mack with Rashan Gary would enhance their pass rush off the edges,” Bowen recently noted. “Mack recorded six sacks and 41 pressures with the Chargers in 2024. Even at 34, he remains a three-down force with the consistent play speed to disrupt the pocket.” Green Bay has the salary cap flexibility to pursue this move, and Mack’s addition would be a substantial asset, offering veteran leadership to a youthful roster.

However, according to a recent report, Mack might prefer to take his talents elsewhere, and you might have already guessed where. Khalil Mack reportedly has an interest in rejoining the Chicago Bears. Earlier this week, Chris Emma of 670 The Score, a well-known Chicago sports radio station, reported that Mack is interested in returning to the Bears.

“Sources suggest Mack is considering a return to Chicago, where he played from 2018 to 2021,” Emma mentioned. “Mack isn’t seeking the spotlight, but the idea would be for him to be a supporting member of the defense, rather than the star.” Entering this offseason, the Bears had significant needs on the offensive line, which GM Ryan Poles has promptly addressed by acquiring Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson.