Bears fans have built up a fantasy that isn’t likely to happen. Khalil Mack enters free agency for the first time this offseason with the LA Chargers clearly stating their intention to re-sign him. Mack, who has never experienced a playoff victory in his NFL career, will take his time to evaluate all his options in free agency.

Mack is set to be a highly sought-after free agent this offseason. Two teams, besides the Chargers, have already been mentioned as possible suitors— the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Chicago is emerging as the more concerning of the two teams for the Chargers. Mack not only played for the Bears previously, but their new defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen, was his first head coach with the Raiders.

The interest could be mutual. According to 670 The Score, sources believe Mack is intrigued by the idea of returning to the Bears. While this is worrying for the Chargers, it’s crucial to keep in mind that the Bolts likely hold the upper hand with Mack.

The Bears are not a real threat to take Khalil Mack from the Chargers This isn’t to say Mack’s potential interest in returning to Chicago is unfounded. He may indeed be somewhat interested in a Bears return, but that doesn’t mean it’s his primary focus this offseason.

In fact, it’s clear what Mack values most moving forward: winning. Mack made it crystal clear in his post-season media session that his main goal is to compete for a Super Bowl.

Chicago has made progress with 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams at quarterback and the promising Ben Johnson as head coach. However, there’s one issue: the Bears haven’t proven themselves yet.

That doesn’t mean the Bears couldn’t make the playoffs by 2025 or even enter Super Bowl talks in the coming years with these two at the helm. But the problem for Mack is that time is not on his side.

Despite his productivity, Mack is getting older. It’s essential for him to join a team that can contend for a Super Bowl, and right now, the Chargers are much better positioned for that.

If teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, or Buffalo Bills were to pursue Mack, it would be a real threat to the Chargers. Those teams are on a higher level than the Chargers and could convince Mack of their Super Bowl aspirations.

The Bears can’t make the same case. If Mack’s priorities are what we assume them to be, the Chargers need not worry about him leaving for Chicago.