Pro Football Focus revealed one free agent for every team they couldn’t afford to lose this offseason, and edge rusher Odafe Oweh was the player they committed to the Chargers.
Here’s what they had to say about why Los Angeles shouldn’t let Ove go.
Jim Harbaugh’s second season with the Chargers was overall a success. To even make it to the wild-card round with the lowest-ranked offensive line in the league is a real feat. Los Angeles’ defense is also very good, and the team’s mid-season acquisition of Ovie was a prudent move.
After joining from the Ravens, Owe immediately gave the Chargers the pass rush they needed. The former first-round pick had an 81.6 PFF pass rush grade and 39 pressures in 13 games with the Chargers. His masterpiece came in the playoffs against the Patriots: 3 sacks with a 90.1 PFF pass rush grade.
With Khalil Mack’s future up in the air, it seems natural for Oweh to return to Los Angeles and have the best season of his career in 2025.
After a slow start for the Ravens, Ovey’s 2025 season is a redemption story. In Baltimore, he had just 10 tackles and no sacks in five games. Owe was traded to the Bolts in October for safety Alohi Gilman and a draft pick, where he thrived under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
advertise
In 12 regular season games with the Chargers, Owe completed a total of 7.5 sacks and formed a powerful trio with Khalil Mack and Tuli Tupulotu, which greatly improved the pass rush. He had a strong performance in the playoffs against the Patriots, sacking quarterback Derek Meyer three times.
It remains to be seen whether Mack, a pending free agent, will return to Los Angeles. He could get it back, but he also could retire or sign with another contender before his career is over. That’s why the Chargers have to prioritize Ovie as they need a sure-fire player opposite Tupuluotu.
Spotrac puts Oweh’s average annual value at $19.3 million, with the contract expected to be worth $57.9 million over three years.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Who the Chargers can’t lose in free agency?
