After an eight-season absence, Khalil Mack should reunite with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2026. Since his time in Oakland, he has added six Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors to an already accomplished résumé. Now 34, Mack continues to play at a high level, offering both consistent disruption off the edge and proven leadership in the locker room.
Las Vegas is projected to enter the offseason with significant salary-cap flexibility. While the roster features multiple areas of need, the Raiders must prioritize investment in premium positions, particularly edge rusher and defensive back. A veteran pass rusher such as Mack would address a critical need up front while providing stability and credibility to a developing defense.
Partnering “The Condor” with the “Mack Attack”
Before Maxx Crosby became the face of the Raiders’ defense, that responsibility belonged to Mack. Raider Nation has long imagined a reunion with the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Amari Cooper briefly returned to the organization earlier this season before retiring, underscoring the franchise’s ongoing ties to its recent past. A similar reunion with Mack would resonate far more on the field, pairing two players who understand both the standard and the expectations in Las Vegas.
The Raiders have repeatedly attempted to stabilize the defensive line, with mixed and often disappointing results. Chandler Jones, Tyree Wilson and Malcolm Koonce have yet to provide a lasting solution. Despite significant draft capital and free-agent investment, the edge-rusher position has remained unsettled, raising ongoing questions about how long Crosby can continue to shoulder the burden alone.
For that reason, pursuing a reunion with Mack this offseason should be a priority. A proven, productive edge rusher would not only address a persistent roster weakness but also help preserve Crosby’s effectiveness while reinforcing the defense’s foundation.
What would it take for Khalil Mack to sign with the Raiders?
Given his age, any new deal is unlikely to approach top-of-market value. Mack is currently playing on a one-year, $18 million contract, a figure that almost certainly would not carry over into his next agreement. While he has generally been durable throughout his career, a dislocated elbow this season sidelined him for multiple weeks and will factor into contract negotiations.
A new contract would likely fall well below $18 million and be limited to one or two years. In tandem with a veteran signing, the Raiders should continue investing at edge rusher through the NFL draft, allowing a young player to develop alongside two elite talents.
The question facing the organization is straightforward: should the Raiders pursue a reunion with their former defensive cornerstone this offseason?
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