Jan. 19, 2026, 3:30 p.m. PT

Pro Football Focus revealed one free agent for every team they can not afford to lose this offseason, and edge rusher Odafe Oweh was their submission for the Chargers.

Here is what they had to say on why Los Angeles shouldn’t let Oweh walk.

The Chargers’ second season with Jim Harbaugh was generally a success. Reaching even the wild-card round with the lowest-graded offensive line in the league is a real feat. Los Angeles’ defense also excelled, and the team’s mid-season acquisition of Oweh was a prudent move.

After arriving from the Ravens, Oweh instantly infused the Chargers with needed pass-rush impact. The former first-round pick compiled an 81.6 PFF pass-rush grade with 39 pressures across 13 games with the Chargers. His magnum opus was against the Patriots in the playoffs: three sacks on a 90.1 PFF pass-rushing grade.

With Khalil Mack’s future up in the air, Oweh seems like a natural bet to return to Los Angeles and build on his career-best 2025 season.

Oweh’s 2025 season was a redemption story after a slow start with the Ravens. In Baltimore, he recorded just 10 tackles and failed to post a sack in five games. Traded to the Bolts in October for safety Alohi Gilman and a draft pick, Oweh thrived under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.

In 12 regular-season games with the Chargers, Oweh recorded 7.5 sacks, forming a potent trio with Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu that significantly boosted the pass rush. He delivered a standout playoff performance against the Patriots, sacking quarterback Drake Maye three times.

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It remains to be seen whether Mack, a pending free agent, will return to Los Angeles. He could run it back, but there is also the possibility he could retire or sign with another contender before closing out his career. That is why the Chargers must make Oweh a priority, as they will need a sure thing opposite Tuipulotu.

Spotrac has Oweh’s average annual value set at $19.3 million, with a projected contract of three years, $57.9 million.