Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz wants Khalil Mack back, but that shouldn’t prevent other teams from pursuing him in free agency.

After briefly thinking about retiring, Mack decided to return for his 14th NFL season in 2025. He’ll also hit free agency for the first time, and with zero career playoff wins, it’s clear he’d prefer to join a contender. A team like the Detroit Lions, who happen to need help at edge rusher.

Naturally, the Chargers, Mack’s team for the past three seasons, want him back. Both Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh have made that clear, and at the NFL Combine this week, Hortiz has repeatedly expressed how much the team values Mack.

The Chargers could agree to terms with Mack anytime, ending his free agency before it starts. However, Hortiz can’t ignore one important factor—Mack has never experienced free agency before.

“I talked to Khalil in December and again after the season, and we’ve stayed in touch with his agents, just chipping away,” Hortiz said Tuesday via Chargers Wire.

“This week will be telling since everyone’s talking, but we’ll have good conversations. I’d love to get it done before free agency begins, but Khalil has never been a free agent before. He might want to experience it and then choose to come back to LA. If that happens, that’s my hope.”

Chargers’ sales pitch shouldn’t deter the Lions from targeting Khalil Mack.

The Chargers currently rank sixth in available cap space, so they can offer Mack a competitive contract with no hesitation. But several other teams can do the same—including Detroit.

Regardless of Mack’s market value, his decision may ultimately hinge on priorities beyond money. Contenders in their championship window will appeal the most, and while the Chargers qualify, the Lions are ahead of them. With $169.5 million in career earnings, Mack might not be chasing the biggest paycheck this time.

The likely departure of Joey Bosa from the Chargers could also factor into Mack’s thinking, depending on who LA adds to replace him. In Detroit, Mack would pair with Aidan Hutchinson, who’s expected to bounce back quickly from his broken leg, creating ideal pass-rush opportunities.

Hortiz can send as many public messages to Mack as he wants—any GM would—but none of it changes the reality that Mack should absolutely explore his options. The Lions must be ready to make their strongest pitch as soon as free agency opens.