The Los Angeles Chargers' have a number of important decisions to make on players this offseason. With just over $85 million in cap space to play with, and two new coordinators joining their ranks, they will have an opportunity to vault this team into Super Bowl contention.
At the same time, however, there are a number of players that need to be brought back before they can turn their focus externally. Khalil Mack, Tre Pipkins III, Teair Tart, Zion Johnson, and Odafe Oweh are all free agents this offseason.
With the needs the Chargers have on the interior of the offensive line and throughout the defense, there will be some tough decisions to be made.
According to Mason Cameron at Pro Football Focus, however, one of these decisions could become even tougher. In projecting landing spots for the best defensive free agents, he linked Oweh to the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans have the most cap space in the NFL at just over $100 million. If they decide they need help with their pass rush, the Chargers could be in trouble.
The Chargers need to do all they can to bring back Odafe Oweh, if the price is reasonable
In spite of the disappointing end to the season, the mid-season trade for Oweh should be remembered fondly. The Chargers swapped Alohi Gilman for Oweh and a 2027 seventh-round pick. With Mack suffering an extended absence, Oweh stepped up immediately.
He remained highly effective even upon Mack's return, amassing 7.5 sacks, 28 tackles, and 13 QB hits through his 12 games with the team. He was even more incredible in the Wild Card Round, earning three sacks in their loss to the New England Patriots.
With him on the team, the Chargers' pass rush quickly went from a weakness to an undeniable strength.
Mack's retirement is still up in the air, just as it was last offseason. Oweh should be one of Los Angeles's top priorities this offseason as a result.
Yet Cameron presents a frightening scenario. The Titans are now led by defensive-minded coach Robert Saleh, and his first order of business could be to re-tool his own defense. Oweh is not the top pass rusher available on the market, but he has revitalized his value enough that he could be highly appealing to a team like Tennessee.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Many of the teams with the most cap space this offseason, including the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, and Washington Commanders, are in need of pass rushers.
Los Angeles could soon be facing stiff competition for Oweh's services, and his link to the Titans could just be the start of the speculation.