The Los Angeles Chargers have ample cap space this offseason, but they still have a serious issue to face. Both Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack are free agents, and they must attempt to bring both of them back.
After acquired Oweh from the Baltimore Ravens mid-season, their pass rush rounded into form. While the strides that Tuli Tuipulotu took in his third season certainly helped, it was the presences of Oweh and Mack that truly completed the unit.
Now, the Chargers are faced with a choice. Mack will certainly contemplate retirement again this offseason, and Oweh is projected to earn a contract somewhere in the four-year, $77 million range.
Obviously, the ideal scenario involves both players returning to the Chargers. But if Oweh departs to another organization, they will need to find a replacement quickly to complement Tuipulotu and Mack. If Zion Young out of Missouri is available at their second-round draft slot, he could be the ideal choice.
Zion Young could be the ideal insurance policy for Oweh's departure
Oweh impressed quite a few people in 2025. In 12 games with Los Angeles, he amassed 7.5 sacks, 28 tackles, and eight tackles for loss, becoming an important contributor almost from the jump. He deserves to get paid in 2026.
If it's not by the Chargers, however, they have a problem. With Mack's decline coming (albeit slowly), they need three capable edge rushers. Young could be the answer if Oweh departs.
In his Senior season at Missouri, Young amassed 6.5 sacks, 42 tackles, and 16.5 tackles for loss through 13 games. He boosted his draft stock immensely in the process.
The only thing keeping him out the late first-round/early second in current projections is the premier talent ahead of him. Rueben Bain Jr., Akheem Mesidor, and Keldric Faulk are closer to blue-chip prospects than Young is.
This could put him right into the Chargers' lap near the end of the second round.
Young has an ideal build for an edge rusher. Although there are concerns lingering about his burst off the line of scrimmage, he has the power and the agility to find his way into the backfield routinely. He has a potent bull rush, and he also possesses the speed and the positioning to stop the run when needed.
He's not the best edge rusher in this class, but he's an exciting prospect nonetheless. If the Chargers ultimately lose Oweh this offseason, Young could be their best route to replace him.