The Los Angeles Chargers are in danger of losing quality depth within their defensive front seven this offseason, with players such as Odafe Oweh, Khalil Mack, Da’Shawn Hand, Denzel Perryman, and Otito Ogbonnia all set to become free agents next month.
Of all those listed, prioritizing Oweh makes the most sense. Still just 27 years old, Oweh is a former first-round draft pick who has 30.5 career sacks. After getting off to a tough start with the Baltimore Ravens in 2025, Oweh found his footing when he was traded to the Chargers in October, going on to post 7.5 sacks.
Odafe Oweh Labeled Franchise Tag Candidate for Los Angeles Chargers
One way to ensure Oweh stays with the Chargers is for them to apply the franchise tag on him. Not only would Oweh remain in Los Angeles for at least the 2026 seasons (granted that he signs it), but it would give them extra time to work out a long-term contract extension. ESPN NFL analyst Kris Rhim believes the franchise tag is the best path to accomplish that.
“When the Chargers traded for Oweh in October, he was a struggling edge rusher with zero sacks through five games, looking like a player who had failed to live up to the potential that made him a first-round pick by Baltimore in 2021,” Rhim wrote.
“That quickly changed in L.A. Oweh finished with 7.5 sacks in 12 games with the Chargers and closed the season by setting a franchise playoff record with three sacks and two forced fumbles in the Chargers’ playoff loss to the Patriots. At 27, Oweh appears to be one of the league’s most promising edge rushers, but the projected tag number of $27.8 million could be too steep for the GM Joe Hortiz if the sides can’t agree to a deal at a lower figure.”
Using Franchise Tag on Oweh Would Be Wise for Chargers
GettyNew England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye gets sacked by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh
The Chargers have all the reason in the world to bring Oweh back, starting with the approximate $83 million in salary cap space they have, which is the third most among all NFL teams. When you have that amount of money and a premium pass rusher who is just 27 years old, letting him go would be egregious.
Oweh also expressed his interest in returning to Los Angeles following the postseason loss to the New England Patriots, during which he recorded three sacks and two forced fumbles.
Odafe Oweh: “I feel like we’re a better team. And Any other day, we beat them. We just ain’t have it today, so that’s the more annoying part.”
Oweh is an unrestricted free agent but said he wants to be in L.A. He had three sacks today, a single game postseason franchise record.
The Chargers could lose veteran Kahlil Mack, which would create a huge void from both a production and leadership standpoint. They only have five picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, thus limiting their opportunities to rebuild the pass rush if Oweh and Mack leave. It would also pressure them to draft based off need rather than best player available.
The franchise tag for edge rushers is projected at $27.8 this year. However, if both sides are motivated to get a deal done, applying the franchise tag simply gives them more time to negotiate a long-term deal, and Los Angeles won’t be on the hook for the tag price. The deadline to apply the tag is March 3 at 4 p.m. ET.
Nick Roesch Nick Roesch covers the NFL for Heavy Sports, with a focus on the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and Los Angeles Chargers. He previously covered the Chiefs for USA TODAY Sports’ Chiefs Wire, and all 32 NFL teams for A to Z Sports. Roesch’s career in sports media spans 10 years. More about Nick Roesch
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