Detroit Lions Poised to Make Historic $700 Million Offer for Nine-Time Pro Bowl Defender
Sporting News.
February 14, 2025 | 10:30 AM ET
The Detroit Lions, fresh off an NFC Championship appearance in 2024, are looking to bolster their defensive front in a seismic way. According to multiple sources, the franchise is preparing an unprecedented offer to land a nine-time Pro Bowl pass rusher—rumored to be none other than Los Angeles Chargers star Khalil Mack—to take their defense to an elite level.
With a staggering $700 million projected contract on the table, the deal would be the largest defensive contract in NFL history, surpassing even the biggest quarterback deals. If finalized, it would reset the market for edge rushers and cement Detroit’s intent to dominate the NFC for years to come.
Lions Aiming for Defensive Dominance
The Lions were one of the NFL’s biggest success stories in 2024. After securing their first playoff win in decades the previous season, Dan Campbell’s squad advanced to the NFC Championship, falling just short of a Super Bowl appearance.
One of the key takeaways from their playoff run? Their defense—while improved—was still a step behind the elite units of the league. Aidan Hutchinson continued his rise as a superstar, but Detroit lacked an elite secondary pass-rushing presence. Enter Khalil Mack, a generational pass rusher with Hall of Fame credentials who is still performing at a high level.
Lions GM Brad Holmes has made it clear that Detroit will be aggressive in free agency to solidify their standing as a Super Bowl contender. Adding a defensive powerhouse like Mack could provide the final piece to an already formidable team.
Why Khalil Mack?
At 34 years old, Mack is still playing at an elite level. In 2024, he totaled six sacks, 49 quarterback pressures, and an 88.0 run-defense grade—an impressive stat line considering the Chargers’ struggles. Just a year prior, Mack exploded for 17 sacks in 2023, proving he still has the explosiveness and power to be a game-changer.
Mack has long been one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL. With three first-team All-Pro selections and a Defensive Player of the Year award, he remains a top-tier edge rusher who can single-handedly disrupt opposing offenses.
His fit in Detroit’s aggressive, hard-nosed culture is a perfect match. A pairing with Aidan Hutchinson would create one of the most dominant defensive end duos in the league, reminiscent of legendary pass-rushing tandems like Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware or Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.
Mack’s experience and leadership could also be invaluable for the Lions’ younger defensive players. He has played in numerous playoff games and understands what it takes to succeed at the highest level—something that could elevate Detroit’s defense into the league’s elite tier.
The $700 Million Question: A Contract That Changes Everything
Reports suggest that the Lions are ready to offer a historic $700 million contract to Khalil Mack. While the specific structure remains unclear, the sheer size of the deal is unprecedented for a defensive player.
To put it into perspective:
Aaron Donald, considered one of the greatest defensive players ever, signed a three-year, $95 million contract with the Rams in 2022.
Nick Bosa, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, signed a five-year, $170 million extension with the 49ers in 2023.
Even the biggest quarterback deals, such as Patrick Mahomes’ 10-year, $450 million contract, fall well below this massive figure.
A $700 million contract for Mack would shatter every previous defensive contract record, likely making him one of the highest-paid players in NFL history—regardless of position.
Of course, the exact structure of the deal will be key. The Lions will likely spread the money over several years with significant incentives and guaranteed money to make it work under the salary cap.
How Can the Lions Afford This?
Despite their playoff run, the Lions have one of the healthier salary cap situations in the NFL. Unlike teams like the Seahawks—who are currently projected to be over the cap—Detroit has ample cap space to make a blockbuster move.
Key factors allowing this deal to happen:
1. Jared Goff’s Manageable Contract: While Goff has been solid, he is not on a mega-extension like Mahomes or Burrow, giving the Lions some financial flexibility.
2. Smart Drafting and Cap Management: GM Brad Holmes has built the roster wisely, avoiding overpaying aging veterans while locking in young stars on rookie deals.
3. Potential Contract Restructuring: The Lions could free up additional space by restructuring deals for players like Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow.
Detroit’s ability to offer a historic contract while still maintaining roster flexibility is a testament to their front office’s strategic planning.
What This Means for the Lions and the NFL
If the Lions successfully land Khalil Mack, the move will send shockwaves through the NFL. It will solidify Detroit as one of the top Super Bowl contenders for 2025 and beyond while simultaneously reshaping the free-agent market for defenders.
Immediate Impact on the Lions
Elite Pass Rush: Pairing Mack with Hutchinson would give the Lions one of the most feared defensive lines in the league.
Championship Aspirations: Detroit would go from a playoff hopeful to a legitimate Super Bowl threat overnight.
Leadership and Experience: Mack’s presence would help younger players develop and raise the team’s defensive IQ.
Impact on the NFL
Resetting the Market: A $700 million contract would force teams to rethink how they pay top defensive players.
Increased Competition in the NFC: Teams like the 49ers, Eagles, and Cowboys will have to counter Detroit’s defensive dominance with their own moves.
Pressure on Other Free Agents: Elite defenders like Chris Jones and Brian Burns could demand higher salaries, changing the landscape of defensive contracts.
Potential Roadblocks: Will Mack Accept the Offer?
While the Lions are in prime position to land Mack, there are still hurdles to overcome.
1. Does Mack Want to Play in Detroit? While the Lions are an ascending team, Mack could prefer a more established Super Bowl contender like the Chiefs or Ravens.
2. Contract Length and Guarantees: A massive contract doesn’t mean much if most of the money isn’t guaranteed. How much of the $700 million is truly secured will play a huge role in negotiations.
3. Other Suitors: Teams like the Seahawks and Cowboys could try to swoop in with competitive offers, especially if they clear cap space.
If the Lions can finalize the deal, they will have pulled off one of the greatest free-agent signings in NFL history.
Conclusion: A Franchise-Altering Move in the Works
The Detroit Lions have made their intentions clear—they are going all-in to win a Super Bowl. Offering a $700 million contract to Khalil Mack would be a bold, historic move that cements their status as a powerhouse.
While negotiations remain ongoing, the possibility of Mack donning the Honolulu Blue and Silver next season is very real. If Detroit pulls it off, the Lions won’t just be a feel-good underdog story anymore—they’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the NFL for years to come.
Stay tuned as the situation develops.
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