Khalil Mack, AFC North team named as "perfect" fit in free agency

Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine believes Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack would be the "perfect" free agency fit for the Bengals, as he believes he could provide a key veteran presence for their young core.

"The Bengals could lose both Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai in free agency. Hendrickson could be the top free agent on a lot of boards and Ossai is in his prime so he'll be looking for a lengthy extension.

"Cincinnati is somewhat prepared for the losses. With Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy on the roster, they have young players ready to take on larger roles. Khalil Mack would be the ideal mentor to target for them. He's 35, but he was still an excellent edge-setter with a 14.8 pressure rate last season," Ballentine writes.

Has Khalil Mack Expressed Interest In Returning to LA?

After the Chargers lost to the Patriots in the Wild Card round, Mack discussed his future heading into the offseason. He wasn't certain whether retirement would be next or if signing with a team in free agency was in store.

"You feel different in the sense of understanding how much time do you really have left to play at a certain level and what is that going to look like moving forward," Mack said. "You don't want to make a decision based on how you feel in the present moment, especially after a tough loss. It's about taking time and taking that step back.

"I feel like it's the same in that sense, taking a step back and trying to really not put too much emotion behind the decision to do whatever it is I'm going to do," Mack added

While there's no certainty Mack will return for the 2026 season, his name has been featured in several trade predictions this offseason. Once the NFL free agency window opens in March, fans will find out whether he will sign with a team or hang up his cleats after all.

In 2025, Mack posted 5.5 sacks, 11 quarterback hits, and four forced fumbles, making his career sack total 113.0.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: AFC North team seen as 'perfect' fit for Khalil Mack