Khalil Mack already has a tremendous list of accolades. What can he accomplish in one last run?
With Khalil Mack coming back for another season, it is prime time to assess a Hall-of-Fame-worthy career for the edge rusher. One of his best seasons in an illustrious career came in 2023 for the Chargers. He racked up a Chargers single-season record-tying 17 sacks, along with 5 forced fumbles on his way to his eighth Pro Bowl selection. But he had already been dominating the league for a long time at that time.
Historic Raiders run
Jumping back some seasons, we end up square in the middle of his iconic two-season run as a Raider. In 2015, he was the first player in league history to make All-Pro at two positions, earning the nod at both outside linebacker and defensive end. He accumulated 15 sacks, including five in a single game. But that was just the start of his tear.
He followed up this stellar showing with an even better season. He captured defensive player of the year in 2016 by amassing 11 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and a league-best 92.5 Pro Football Focus grade as an edge defender. It is debatable which of these two seasons was more legendary, but this 2016 season was the one he ended with the DPOY hardware.
Immediate impact
He famously got traded to Chicago in 2018. In a contract dispute with then-coach Jon Gruden, he was sent packing and continued to tear up the league from that point. When he arrived, he immediately made first-team All-Pro and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting. In only 14 games, he had 12.5 sacks and forced 6 fumbles. One of the best debut seasons on a new team in league history.
He's still got it
In the last two years in Los Angeles, following his record-breaking 2023 year, he's been solid with 11.5 sacks total. In 2024, his Pro Football Focus grade of 90.2 was top five in all edge players. Last year alone, he forced 4 fumbles which was tied for second in the league. That was the case even though he dislocated his elbow in week 2 and was out until week 7. That's some serious productivity in limited duty.
Back for at least one more year, it'll be exciting to follow his productivity level, especially if he can stay healthy and injury-free. He's still not an afterthought in the league, even this deep into his career. He could bring some serious value to the Chargers' front seven and locker room as well.
