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Jim Harbaugh is entering his third year as head coach of the LA Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers‘ defense was one of the best in terms of points per game allowed, total yards allowed and total sacks.
While addressing the interior offensive line will be a key issue for the Bolts in the offseason, retaining key players will also be a priority for the team.
The Chargers have multiple players who were on expiring contracts who were big-time players for Los Angeles in the 2025 season.
If the Bolts don’t retain one of their better pass rushers, one NFL writer believes he will be a priority for a team with a new head coach.
EDGE Rusher Going to the AFC South?
GettyThe Los Angeles Chargers will need to lock down one of their better pass rushers
The Bolts’ pass rush was led by third-year EDGE rusher Tuli Tuipulotu, who led the team in sacks and had the sixth-most sacks in the league.
Tuli will enter the fourth year of his rookie contract and is eligible for an extension. This leaves another pass rusher on the Bolts, who is on an expiring contract, to walk away.
Odafe Oweh had 7.5 sacks with the Chargers, the second most on the team. The fifth-year player is a proven pass rusher, having registered 10 sacks in the 2025 season.
If the Chargers fail to keep Oweh long-term, Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay believes the outside linebacker can thrive with the Tennessee Titans and new head coach Robert Saleh, calling him a priority target for the team in free agency.
“With Saleh electing to call plays this time around—a task he delegated during his tenure running the New York Jets—Tennessee could have one of the league’s most fearsome defensive units in 2026,” Kay wrote. “Saleh understands the value of an elite pass-rushing platoon. During his time with Gang Green, the team never ranked below No. 15 against the pass and recorded at least 43 sacks in each of his final three years.”
“Although the Titans mustered a respectable 42 sacks this past season, there’s still work to be done on the edge. Tennessee rated as a bottom-10 team against the pass last year, struggling to create consistent pressure… [Oweh] would be a strong bet to reach new heights in Saleh’s system.”
Los Angeles acquired Oweh in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens after the defender was unable to register a single sack in five games.
As noted, the EDGE rusher was able to record 7.5 sacks in his one season with the Chargers. Oweh also performed at his best in the AFC wildcard round against the New England Patriots, logging 3 sacks and 4 tackles.
Pair Oweh with a defensive-minded head coach and he could likely take the next major progression in his career.
Why Odafe Oweh May Walk
GettyOdafe Oweh entered his fifth season with the Baltimore Ravens before being traded
The EDGE rusher had positive words about the Los Angeles Chargers since his arrival, calling it the “perfect place.” But with recent coaching staff changes, the team is looking a lot different.
Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter went on to become the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, the team Oweh started his career with.
The Bolts brought in former Western Michigan defensive coordinator and safeties coach Chris O’Leary to replace Minter. O’Leary has a history with Jim Harbaugh, as he was the safeties coach before taking the job in Kalamazoo.
It will be the new defensive coordinator’s first time calling plays at the professional level, which might ease Odafe Oweh’s decision in returning to the City of Angels.
But it could be a bit of déjà vu, as Minter never called plays in the NFL until being hired by Harbaugh. As mentioned,
Coaching will always play a role in a player’s career and decision-making, and having an experienced playcaller in Robert Saleh may be the contributing factor for Odafe Oweh.
Jason Garcia Jason Garcia is a sports contributor for Heavy Sports who joined the team in 2025, covering the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. More about Jason Garcia
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