As free agency approaches, the Los Angeles Chargers will need to evaluate the future of their pass rush. That starts with deciding whether these two edge defenders are a priority to bring back in 2026.

Mack, who turns 35 next week, appeared in 12 games for the Bolts in 2025 after landing on injured reserve with a dislocated elbow suffered in Los Angeles’ Week 2 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The five-time All-Pro (three first-team selections, two second-team) and nine-time Pro Bowler finished his 12th NFL season with 32 total tackles (19 solo), 42 pressures, 5.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and 24 stops.

While the veteran weighs a potential retirement, the Chargers are expected to make an effort to retain their four-time team captain. Mack signed a one-year, $18 million deal with Los Angeles last offseason, and if he opts to return for his 13th season, another short-term agreement would likely make the most sense for both parties.

Following the Chargers’ playoff loss to the New England Patriots, Mack addressed the possibility of hanging up the cleats:

"Not trying to make that decision right now like I've almost done before... Trying to stay as present as possible, stay prayed up, make a decision based on how I'm feeling and how my family is feeling, the vibes... If the vibes are high, the decisions will be made. Just figuring it out day by day." 

Los Angeles acquired Oweh from the Baltimore Ravens in October, sending safety Alohi Gilman and a 2026 fifth-round pick in exchange for the edge rusher and a 2027 seventh-round selection.

After a 10-sack campaign in 2024, Oweh failed to record a sack in his first five games with Baltimore before being dealt to the Chargers. He quickly found his footing in Los Angeles, posting 7.5 sacks in 12 games. The former first-round pick also totaled 51 pressures, 38 tackles (20 solo) and 29 stops.

At 27, Oweh is a prime candidate for the franchise tag. However, a long-term extension would likely be the more strategic route, allowing the Chargers to solidify a foundational piece of their pass rush moving forward.

Oweh could command anywhere from $18 to $20 million annually on his next deal, and with the franchise tag for defensive ends projected to land around $27.3 million in 2026, it would be in the team’s best interest to negotiate an extension sooner rather than later.