The Green Bay Packers swung for the fences when they traded two first-round picks and long-time starter Kenny Clark to get superstar edge-rusher Micah Parsons. This is the kind of move teams make when they believe they are on the doorstep of a championship. Green Bay fell short this year, but don't be surprised if they double down on their bet with some big moves in the offseason.
Parsons was dominant for the Packers, but the rest of the defensive front fell short of expectations, especially late in the season. We've detailed how Green Bay could save significant cap space by moving on from Rashan Gary in the offseason.
If they choose to do so, Khalil Mack could be the perfect alternative and the ideal sidekick for Parsons on the defensive line.
Packers could pair Khalil Mack with Micah Parsons for superhuman edge duo
Late in the 2025 season, one glaring weakness kept the Packers' defense from becoming the dominant unit it was expected to be. Even before Parsons went down with a season-ending injury, the team's ability to stop the run was a major question mark. They ranked 18th in rushing yards allowed per game on the year. It's not an awful mark, but weaknesses like that get exposed in the playoffs.
What better way to fix that hole than by signing the best run-defending edge player of the last decade?
Mack is set to hit free agency this offseason as his contract with the Los Angeles Chargers expires. At 34 years old, he's nearing the end of his decorated career, but he's still an excellent run-stopper off the edge.
He shouldn't be overlooked as a pass-rusher, either. He's had multiple seasons with double-digit sacks in his career, including an 18-sack campaign just two years ago.
His skill set would complement Parsons perfectly. While he's an underrated run defender, the former Dallas Cowboy thrives in clear pass situations. Mack's presence would give the Packers the ability to counter any scheme opposing offenses bring to the table. With these two superstars on the edge and a healthy interior, Green Bay would have an unstoppable force on the defensive front.
Spotrac estimates that Mack's market value will hover around $18 million per year. It's no small price to pay, but the upgrade that he could provide over Gary is undeniable, especially against the run.
The superhuman pair of Parsons and Mack could finally be enough to push the Packers into true Super Bowl contention.