The Los Angeles Chargers will face some tough decisions this offseason as they attempt to retain key free agents.
They've already inked an extension for defensive tackle Teair Tart. But Odafe Oweh, Keenan Allen, Zion Johnson, and a number of other players remain free agents at the moment.
Most importantly, veteran pass rusher Khalil Mack's one-year deal has expired, and Los Angeles will need to determine whether they are willing to shell out the money to bring him back. On one hand, their combination of Tuli Tuipulotu and Oweh (if they are able to retain him), could be sufficient.
On the other, Mack is still a highly impactful defender when he's healthy, and the Chargers need to maintain continuity on the defensive side of the ball as much as possible. Mack will certainly have his suitors this offseason, and an aggressive bidding war could cause Los Angeles to balk at his contract number.
It wouldn't necessarily be disastrous, but it would be supremely disappointing. Here are three teams that could pose the most danger:
3 teams who are in need of a veteran pass rusher
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens were tied as Mack's best landing spots in Pro Football Focus's recent defensive free agent roundup. There are multiple reasons to believe they might be a suitor for Mack's services.
Firstly, former Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is now Baltimore's head coach. It's a painful reality that he could try to poach players from his former unit. Secondly, the Ravens finished with the third-fewest sacks in the NFL this season. Their trade of Oweh to the Chargers did not help.
Could they try to rectify their pass rush with a splash signing in Mack?
Washington Commanders
In one sense, the Commanders don't need to get any older on defense. This past season, they had Bobby Wagner, Von Miller, Deatrich Wise Jr., and Marshon Lattimore routinely lined up on that side of the ball.
Realistically, though, this team needs serious defensive help. While they amassed 42 sacks in 2025, their pressure rate was the seventh-lowest in the league. They have the sixth-most available cap space, and they have very few vital free agents they need to bring back.
Although it would be a shift in defensive structure for Mack, he could be the piece Washington needs to truly cement their pass rush.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans can go virtually any direction this offseason, as they have needs all over their roster. With their hiring of defensive-minded head coach Robert Saleh, however, it could be logical for them to shore up that side of the ball in free agency.
Tennessee finished in the top half of the league in total sacks and pressure rate in 2025, but the pure talent and experience in their pass rush was limited after they moved on from Dre'Mont Jones. Tennessee has the most cap space in the NFL this offseason, and Mack could be among their mid-level targets as they attempt to make a resurgence behind Cam Ward in 2026.