The Los Angeles Chargers have just over $82 million in cap space this offseason. Boy, do they need it.
They will likely need to replace both Mekhi Becton and Bradley Bozeman before the start of next season. Zion Johnson, moreover, is a free agent who presents some serious financial concerns.
Yet their most inescapable need could lie on the other side of the ball. Both Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack are free agents as well, and the Chargers' chances at continuing their defensive dominance relies on their return. At least the NFL writers at ESPN think so.
In their recent power rankings for 2026, released just after the conclusion of the Super Bowl, Los Angeles is ranked 15th: behind teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans.
As disrespectful as this placement feels given the reasons the team has for optimism, Chargers beat writer Kris Rhim makes a solid point in his argument about the uncertainty surrounding the defense.
If Los Angeles loses both Oweh and Mack, perhaps any other changes they make won't matter.
The Chargers must figure out their pass rush this offseason, among other things
In 2025, Los Angeles's decision to trade for Oweh in Mack's absence was a defining crossroads in their season. Oweh immediately clicked across from Tuli Tuipulotu and was still excellent as a rotational edge player even when Mack returned.
Oweh finished his 12 games with the Chargers with 7.5 sacks, 28 total tackles, and eight tackles for loss. While Mack has slowed down a bit, he's still been excellent as well. Through 12 games in 2025, he amassed 5.5 sacks, 19 total tackles, six tackles for loss.
Bringing back both players this offseason will be difficult financially. Mack could be in for a bit of a pay cut, but Oweh is projected to earn somewhere in the four-year, $77 million range.
According to Rhim, how the organization handles these players in the offseason could make or break 2026:
"The anchor of the Chargers' defense has been their edge group. But Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack are unrestricted free agents, and Tuli Tuipulotu is eligible for a contract extension ahead of the final year in his rookie deal... General manager Joe Hortiz will have his hands full trying to keep this group intact."Kris Rhim
Of course, Los Angeles must also address the interior of their offensive line. But any path they have towards serious Super Bowl contention must rely heavily on their defense. They can likely afford to lose one of Oweh or Mack: but not both.
It's fair, therefore, to keep the Chargers ranked this low until they sort out some of the uncertainty surrounding their roster. But when free agency is completed, and they are able to re-assemble a formidable defense and revamp their offensive line, the disrespect better come to an end.