Chargers' Khalil Mack receives bold Hall of Fame projection from ESPN

There are a ton of incredible edge rushers currently dominating in the NFL, with Myles Garrett just coming off a record-breaking 23-sack season, Will Anderson Jr. turning into a Superstar, and Micah Parsons being one of the best rushers in the league.

But, for a while, Khalil Mack was one of the league's best. Now with the Los Angeles Chargers for what's likely the final season of his incredible NFL career, the next step for Mack is his post-playing days. But after he retires, there's one accolade left to get.

That is the Hall of Fame. Does Mack have a chance? ESPN's Bill Barnwell shared a bold projection that Mack not only has a good chance, but that he believes Mack already deserves a spot in the Hall, reagrdless of what he does in 2026.

ESPN analyst believes Khalil Mack should be in the Hall of Fame

"In: Edge Khalil Mack. It's close," Barnwell writes. "Mack had a quiet midcareer spell with the Bears as he battled injuries, including a foot issue that cost him most of the 2021 season, but he likely did enough before and after that stretch to get into the Hall."

Mack, the now 35-year-old edge rusher who is heading into his 13th NFL season, has pieced together an incredible career. He began with the Las Vegas Raiders, who were in Oakland at the time of his stint with the franchise.

After four years there, he joined the Chicago Bears for four seasons, after which he joined the Chargers for four seasons. He'll play a fifth year with the Chargers, the first time he's ever been on a team longer than four seasons.

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During his NFL career, Mack has three interceptions, including one pick-six, 36 forced fumbles (active NFL leader), 113 sacks, 662 tackles, 148 tackles for loss, and 196 quarterback hits. He also has two safeties in his career.

He's an eight-time Pro Bowler, three-time first-team All-Pro, one-time second-team All-Pro, and he's won Defensive Player of the Year once, and was a runner-up for the award once during his career as well.

Mack has put together an incredible career, and Barnwell believes he already deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. It's been a great career, and anything he does in 2026 should be the cherry on top of a legendary and future Hall of Fame career for Mack.

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