The LA Chargers’ leadership has been very vocal about their intention to re-sign Him this offseason. General manager Joe Hortiz reinforced this message at the NFL Combine, offering high praise for Mack in an interview with CBS Sports.
If that wasn’t enough, head coach Jim Harbaugh made an even stronger statement to both Mack and Hortiz. Harbaugh has already expressed his desire to bring Mack back and is now actively pushing for it ahead of NFL free agency.
During a segment on “The Pat McAfee Show” at the NFL Combine, Harbaugh not only confirmed his wish to re-sign Mack but also turned to Hortiz and told him to “pay the man,” with Hortiz sitting right next to him on set.
Jim Harbaugh tells Chargers GM Joe Hortiz to pay Khalil Mack
"Pay Khalil Mack Joe" 😂😂 ~ @CoachJim4UM #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/gCVCBS6rbe
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 26, 2025
If there was any doubt about Harbaugh’s intentions, he made them crystal clear in this interview. Harbaugh is determined to have Mack back in the locker room next season and isn’t shy about publicly telling his GM to “pay the man” in free agency.
This is great news for both Chargers fans and Mack. For fans, Harbaugh’s public commitment to re-signing a key player signals that the Chargers will go all-in to bring Mack back. While Mack ultimately has the final say, it’s clear the Chargers will do everything they can to keep him.
If Mack doesn’t return, it won’t be for lack of effort from the Chargers.
For Mack, these public comments from Harbaugh only increase his value in free agency. Whether he realized it or not, Harbaugh has just given Mack and his agent more leverage in contract talks. Having the head coach’s public support makes it easier to justify a higher price tag.
Harbaugh likely doesn’t mind if these remarks push the Chargers to pay a bit more for Mack. Mack has been a huge influence not just on the field but in the locker room as well. Keeping him around is crucial for Harbaugh as he works to shape the culture in LA.
The biggest question here concerns Joey Bosa. Despite rumors about him being a prime cut candidate, Hortiz has expressed a desire to help Bosa retire as a Charger. But if Mack is signed for $25 million, can the Chargers really afford to pay both edge rushers a combined $60 million in 2025?
That’s the question that Hortiz and the front office must answer. We already know what Harbaugh’s answer would be.
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