The Chargers locking up Teair Tart was a smart move, but the job isn’t finished. Odafe Oweh proved in 2025 that he’s a difference-maker off the edge, and if L.A. is serious about contending, he has to be next in line for an extension.
Today was a big day for the Los Angeles Chargers’ roster. The Bolts locked in Teair Tart to a three-year, $37.5 million contract extension, rewarding a gritty, hard-nosed presence up front who has become a key part of this defense. That’s money well spent for a player who sets the tone against the run and brings consistent effort every down. But if the Chargers want to truly build something special on defense, the next logical move is obvious: they’ve got to take care of Odafe Oweh.
Look, I get it — contract decisions are complicated, but the Chargers are among the league leaders in cap space this offseason. The production Oweh gave this team in 2025 was exactly the sort of impact that deserves long-term commitment. After coming over in a midseason trade from the Ravens, Oweh immediately made his presence felt, finishing the year with 7.5 sacks and 38 total tackles in 17 games — and that includes zero sacks in his first five games with Baltimore before the deal. Once in powder blue, he went on a tear, recording four sacks in his first four games with the Chargers and showing what this defense can look like with a legitimate edge threat.
Chargers fans were able to see first hand what it was like watching this pass rush come alive when Oweh hit the field. Pressure began to show up consistently, linemen started thinking twice about holding the edge and the backfield disruption that has long been a missing piece in Los Angeles finally re-emerged. Not every player puts up massive sack numbers — but 7.5 sacks after a trade and essentially an adjustment period speaks to real ability and real potential in a better scheme and role.
Teair Tart’s extension is huge, no doubt. He’s a proven run-stuffer, beloved by teammates and exactly the sort of guy you want anchoring your unit for years to come. That said, defensive football in the NFL — especially in today’s pass-happy league — turns on edge pressure more than anything else. You can’t have consistent success in the playoffs without racking up sacks, creating turnovers and dictating chaos off the edge. Tart doesn’t do that. Oweh does. And we saw it when it mattered most down the stretch.
The Chargers owe it to themselves to lock him into their long-term plans. He’s still young, explosive and entering what should be the prime of his career. You don’t just let a guy like that walk and hope to replace him — you build around him. Fans saw a pass rush with Oweh and Tuli Tuipulotu all working in concert. That’s not a one-year wonder — that’s a consistent threat that can change games.
So yes, extend Teair Tart. That was the right move. But don’t stop there. Give Odafe Oweh his deal before another team comes calling. The Chargers just showed they’re willing to pay for the right pieces. Oweh is one of those pieces. The Chargers need to lock him in and finish what they started.