After failing to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in four years, the San Francisco 49ers knew changes had to be made. Nick Sorensen is out and Robert Salah returns to take his place as defensive coordinator.
That was only one such change, but more should be on the horizon.
It was just a season ago (and four as well, too) that the NFC West powerhouse was in the Super Bowl. With many decisions looming on the players and talent to take the field next year, a name is out there who would compliment Saleh’s defense nicely.
Veteran edge rusher Khalil Mack.
The Niners have roughly $46 million in cap space this offseason. They could increase that number by making other cuts and/or by restructuring some current contracts with big hits.
The nine-time Pro Bowler spent the last three seasons playing with the Los Angeles Chargers, and he previously played in the Bay Area after starting his NFL career for the Oakland Raiders.
Soon to be 34 years old, Mack might not be a centerpiece defensive addition. But, as recent history shows, he still has a lot to offer despite being up there in age.
What would Khalil Mack bring to a revamped 49ers defense?
Aside from his rookie season, Mack has recorded at least six sacks every season. His career-high of 17 was as recent as 2017. He has 107.5 sacks during his 11 years in the league.
Mack is a 6-foot-3 and nearly 270 pounds. He does bring some playoff experience, having been a part of the postseason five times including twice in the past three years.
Despite his better years being behind him, Mack has displayed his skills and attributes especially in the past two seasons. In his first nine years in the NFL, he recorded 24 passes defended, but in the past two years, Mack has combined for 19 of them.
While Mack is still highly coveted by the Chargers, his soon-to-be free-agent services may be heavily sought after by another team.
Why signing Khalil Mack makes sense for the 49ers
Following the disappointing 2024 season, the 49ers need to make plenty of changes on defense, and finding a deeper pass rush is only one part of the problem.
But it’s a big problem.
Entering the NFL Draft come April, San Francisco will have 10 picks in possession. Such selections include the 11th pick (Round 1), the 43rd pick (Round 2), and the 75th pick (Round 3).
With the 49ers seeming settled or at least satisfied with their quarterback, receivers and running backs, the draft could be a great resource to retool and restock on depth. Injuries were an epidemic that plagued San Francisco’s locker room much like in 2020 (the last time the team failed to make the playoffs).
SigningMack gives another veteran presence, though, and the allure of him chasing his first NFL championship ring may provide leverage for the Niners to sign him for less than the expected $20 million per-year market value. A two-year deal with incentives for a base of $10 million a year might be enought to convince Mack to return to the Bay Area.
In doing so, San Francisco would get a proven commodity with plenty of proverbial “gas” left in the tank, thereby taking care of the pass-rush shortage and saving those picks for other needs.
Saleh would welcome an edge defender of Mack’s caliber, and fans would rejoice in cheering for him alongside defensive standouts like Fred Warner and Nick Bosa.
Most importantly, this move could help thwart the 49ers back into both the immediate playoff picture and title contention.
