One NFL writer recently named one Chargers player who has a great argument for the Hall of Fame.
The Los Angeles Chargers have plenty of talent across the board, whether that be on the offense or the defense, which could help this team make yet another postseason push.
Speaking of talent, it seems that the Chargers may have an all-time great player currently on the roster. Recently, senior NFL writer Bill Barnwell named future Hall of Famers for each NFL team, and for the Chargers, he named Khalil Mack.
It is important to note that Barnwell did say it may be a close call for Mack, but he has had quite the NFL career. In terms of accolades, Mack has been NFL First Team All-Pro three times (2015, 2016, and 2018), won AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 (finished as the runner-up in 2018 as well), made the All-Rookie Team in 2014, and has been voted by his peers onto the NFL top 100 list 10 times.
Mack has also been a very productive player throughout the entirety of his career as he has tallied 113 career sacks (No. 29 in NFL history since 1982; No. 7 among active players), 148 tackles for loss (No. 13 in NFL history since 1960; No. 6 among active players), 36 forced fumbles (No. 18 in NFL history; No. 1 among active players), and started a total of 177 career games (No. 19 in NFL history).
Regardless of the accolade or the statistic, it is very clear that Mack is one of the all-time great players and specifically one of the greatest edge rushers in NFL history. Mack's ability to completely take a over a game is something that is very rare and a major reason why he has earned so much respect.
If Mack does want to become a lock to be in the Hall of Fame, staying healthy for the 2026 season will be critical as well as adding another 10 sack season to his resume. As of now, Mack has 10 or more sacks in five different years.
In 2015, Mack recorded 15 sacks, the following year in 2016 he had 11 sacks, after that in 2017 he totaled 10.5 sacks, then in 2018 he tallied 12.5 sacks, and lastly in 2023 he had 17 sacks. Mack's consistency as a pass rusher and as an overall player is something that very few players have, and if he can have 10 or more sacks once again in 2026, that may be all he needs to cement his legacy.
In terms of injuries, Mack has only missed significant time twice, as he was out for 10 games in 2021 due to a foot injury and last season he dislocated his elbow, which caused him to miss four games. Other than that, Mack has done an excellent job staying healthy, which has put him in a position to consistently be productive and have a career that gives him a great chance to make the Hall of Fame.
Heading into 2026, Mack is already in a good position to make the Hall of Fame, but if he can stay healthy as well as add 10 or more sacks and tackles for loss, that may be just enough for Mack to go down as one of the best players and one of the most elite edge rushers in NFL history which could help him to lock up his spot in Canton.
