Bears, Bengals, Panthers, Seahawks among top landing spots for former $141 million future Hall of Fame pass rusher

Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen (L), general manager Ryan Poles (C) and head coach Ben Johnson (R) observe during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, and Seattle Seahawks have been listed as potential landing spots for a future Hall of Fame edge rusher in the final stage of his illustrious career.

Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher Khalil Mack is set to hit free agency in the spring, and though the Bengals, Panthers, and Seahawks could make a run at Mack, CBS Sports' Zachary Pereles predicts the 34-year-old will reunite with the Bears.

Here is what Pereles said about Mack and his potential fit back with the Bears:

"Mack makes a return to Chicago, where he starred from 2018-21. The Bears need to juice their pass rush without spending a ton, and Mack fits both."

Mack is no longer a superstar player, but the nine-time Pro Bowler can still provide solid pass-rushing production and valuable experience to a young contender, like the Bears.

In 12 games in 2025, Mack tallied 5.5 sacks and 39 quarterback pressures. The Buffalo product was also fantastic against the run, posting an 80.6 PFF run-defense grade.

If the Bears can't land Mack, Cincinnati, Carolina, and Seattle also make sense as landing spots.

The Bengals may need a replacement for Trey Hendrickson, the Panthers must upgrade multiple positions on their defense, and the Seahawks have the cap space to make a luxury signg bolster their already stacked defense.

We'll see where Mack ends up signing, but there's no denying that the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year still has a ton of juice left.

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