Khalil Mack's injury made it abundantly clear that the LA Chargers need more pass-rush help. On Tuesday, the Chargers added that help via trade, swapping safety Alohi Gilman and draft capital for edge rusher Odafe Oweh.
The Baltimore Ravens need safety depth and were willing to trade their 2021 first-round pick to the Chargers for that help. Oweh has not recorded a sack yet this season, but his pressure numbers are solid and he is coming off a 10-sack season in 2024.
Oweh will fill in for Mack alongside Tuli Tuipulotu in the interim. Once Mack returns, the Chargers will have a three-headed pass rush attack that defensive coordinator Jesse Minter can make the most of. Chargers fans are beyond excited for what this will look like, yet their excitement still doesn't match that of Jim Harbaugh.
The Chargers head coach spoke to reporters on Wednesday and wasted absolutely no time setting lofty expectations for his new edge rusher. Harbaugh sees a lot of Mack in Oweh's game, which is probably why the Chargers traded for him in the first place.
Jim Harbaugh said he expects OLB Odafe Oweh to play this Sunday against the Dolphins:
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) October 8, 2025
“He’s a lot like Khalil Mack. Direct rusher, but has speed, has depth, has ability to set the edge. Been a very good, productive young player, in the prime of his career.”
Jim Harbaugh raises eyebrows with Odafe Oweh's Khalil Mack comparison
It goes without saying that Harbaugh doesn't think Oweh is at the same level as Mack. Mack was already an All-Pro when he was in his fifth year and Oweh has never even been a Pro Bowler. Even at his age, Mack still has a higher ceiling than Oweh.
However, it's clear Harbaugh sees similar traits in Oweh's game. This will hopefully make his fit in this Chargers defense as seamlessly as possible. Then, once Mack returns, the Chargers can rotate their edge rushers to keep them fresh and healthy for a hopeful playoff run.
The one marquee difference in their games is how they defend the run. Mack has always been excellent against the run, and is a true example of being an every-down edge rusher because of it. Oweh has not been as good against the run in his career, and might even be someone defenses run at on the Chargers.
That trade-off is definitely worth it, though. It's a lot easier to game-plan for a team to run at a particular edge than it is to make up for not having a consistent pass rush. And with Mack out, the Chargers didn't have anyone outside of Tuipulotu who could consistently generate pressure on the quarterback.
Oweh comes to the Chargers with lofty expectations fueled in part by his new head coach's comments. Even if he doesn't live up to those expectations, he will be an excellent addition to a Chargers defense that needs him.