The Seattle Seahawks will likely be in the market for a pass rusher this offseason, as the team lacked production and high-end play on the defensive line in 2024 outside of Leonard Williams and Derick Hall.
The Seahawks must address this need if they want to compete for a postseason spot in the NFC next season, and FanSided’s Nick Villano predicts the team will sign Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack.
“Khalil Mack has said he has no intention to retire and plans to sign with a new team in 2025. He was surprisingly kept around by the Chargers last offseason, and he put together a quality season. Now, he’s looking to cash in before the end of his career,” Villano wrote.
“Finding that right fit is admittedly hard. Mack feels like one of those free agents who signs a deal that makes fans just look at their phone notifications and say, “Hmm.” That’s where the Seattle Seahawks jump in. If the Seahawks decide to keep Geno Smith in house, their biggest need is pass rush. While the Seahawks could add that in the draft, putting Mack there for a year could provide a template for a dominant defense,” Villano added.
Mack will be 34 years old when free agency commences on Mar.12, but the veteran is still a productive player who can provide a ton of value to a playoff-caliber team. The nine-time Pro Bowler totaled six sacks and 49 quarterback pressures with an 88.0 run-defense grade in 16 games in 2024 and is just one year removed from a 17-sack campaign in 2023.
Seattle needs another dominant force on the defensive line, and bringing in a battle-tested veteran like Mack would be an excellent move by general manager John Schneider.
Signing Mack won’t be cheap, as Pro Football Focus projects the three-time first-team All-Pro selection will land a two-year deal worth $45 million with $40 million guaranteed, which averages to $22.5 million annually.
Spotrac believes that number will be higher, as they predict Mack will sign a $70 million contract over three seasons, which is an average annual salary of $23.6 million.
The Seahawks’ cap situation is looking bleak, as the team is estimated to be $13.4 million over the salary cap this offseason, per Over the Cap. So, the franchise must save some money and make roster moves if they want to add Mack.
Overall, Khalil Mack is a fantastic player who still has a few productive seasons left. The future Hall of Famer would be a tremendous fit in Seattle if the team can fix their atrocious cap position.
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