The Los Angeles Chargers have ample cap space this offseason to re-shape their roster. Although they likely won't utilize the entirety of the $82 million they have available to them, that amount of flexibility leaves room for significant changes.
Of course, that money will first go towards replenishing the offensive line. But once that job is done, Los Angeles must turn their attention towards their defense.
Both Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack are free agents, and bringing one or both of them back to complement Tuli Tuipiuluto must be an absolute priority.
If Oweh and Mack ultimately depart, however, the Chargers could still have a consolation prize in free agency. Moe Moton at Bleacher Report recently predicted that Los Angeles would sign outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips this offseason.
As exciting of a signing as this would be, it would ultimately be just that: a consolation prize in the face of Oweh and Mack's departures.
The Chargers' best free agency options are in-house
Don't get it wrong. Phillips is one of the most exciting targets on the market.
Although the Philadelphia Eagles' trade deadline acquisition of the versatile linebacker ultimately didn't push them over the edge, Phillips still had an excellent season in 2025.
Between Miami and Philadelphia he played in all 17 games, totaling five sacks, 53 combined tackles, and seven tackles for loss. Although he doesn't have the burst into the backfield that many players of his profile have, he's a solid tackler and is also capable of dropping out into coverage when necessary.
As Phillips exits his rookie contract, he's projected to earn somewhere in the $17 million range annually, per Spotrac.
But with Tuipulotu, Oweh, and Mack on the team, there would be no room for such a signing. Gaining Phillips would mean losing at least one of their two pending free agents.
Mack's return seems imminent, although it's still quite possible he contemplates retirement. But Oweh presents a different story.
His next contract is projected be around four years and $77 million. After his trade to the Chargers, he proved himself to be one of the most dynamic pass rushers on the market this offseason. Through 12 games in Los Angeles, he amassed 7.5 sacks, 28 combined tackles, and eight tackles for loss.
Signing Phillips and letting Oweh walk would be a bit of a cost-cutting measure. But given how the trio of Mack, Oweh, and Tuipulotu looked in 2025, starting next season with any other combination would be a disappointment.