The Los Angeles Chargers' trade for Odafe Oweh this season has played out excellently. Even upon Khalil Mack's return from injury, he has slotted in as an integral rotational edge rusher, complementing the team's pass rush perfectly.
Through 11 games with the Chargers, Oweh has amassed seven sacks, 24 tackles, and 12 quarterback hits.
Moreover, the departure of Alohi Gilman allowed for continued growth from rookie safety R.J. Mickens, and the secondary has continued to look excellent after the trade.
However, with Tuli Tuipulotu and Khalil Mack likely to sit out the Week 18 matchup against the Denver Broncos, a massive game from Odafe Oweh could make it much more difficult for the team to bring him back this offseason.
Odafe Oweh could cement his impressive performance in a contract year in Week 18
Obviously, bringing Oweh back this offseason would be ideal. Although Tuipulotu has emerged as a Pro Bowl-caliber edge rusher, totaling 13 sacks this season, Mack is at least somewhat on the decline.
Having Oweh on the roster would grant the Chargers additional versatility in their pass rush. Given the depth behind Oweh, which includes the ineffective Bud Dupree and Kyle Kennard, this will be absolutely vital heading into next season.
Oweh will be a member of a free agent class that is relatively deep at his position, including Trey Hendrickson, Joey Bosa, Malcolm Koonce, and Leonard Floyd among others.
However, he has proven his positive value as a second or third edge rusher in his time with the Chargers. It is likely that Los Angeles will not be the only team looking to extend him a contract.
In one sense, this is not a problem. The Chargers have over $110 million in cap space to play with this offseason, and they should, theoretically, be able to beat any offer that Oweh gets.
At the same time, however, the team has other, more urgent, needs that must be addressed. Both Bradley Bozeman and Mekhi Becton likely need to be replaced either through the draft or free agency. A number of players, including Khalil Mack and Zion Johnson, also need to be re-signed with that money.
Therefore, if Oweh's number gets too high, there is always the chance that Los Angeles is priced out of bringing him back.
The Broncos offensive line is elite, having allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL through 16 games. It will be no easy task for Oweh to mount another breakthrough game in Week 18.
Yet if he is able to do so, the Chargers could have an emerging problem on their hands this offseason.