After losing Oweh and with Khalil Mack nearing the end of his career, the Chargers face uncertainty off the edge. Drafting a young pass rusher now could secure a dominant duo with Tuli Tuipulotu and stabilize the defense for years to come.
The Los Angeles Chargers find themselves at a crossroads when it comes to their pass rush, and it’s exactly why drafting an edge rusher in 2026 should be one of their top priorities.
On the surface, things don’t look terrible. The Chargers still have Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu anchoring the edge. But once you dig a little deeper, it becomes clear that this group has more long-term questions than answers.
Let’s start with Mack. There’s no denying what he’s meant to this defense. He’s been productive, a leader and still disruptive when healthy. The team even brought him back on a one-year deal for 2026, reinforcing his importance in the short term. But he’s also 35 years old and coming off a season where he missed time due to injury.
At this stage of his career, you simply can’t count on him being the long-term solution. Even if he continues to produce, the reality is that the Chargers are operating year-to-year with him. That’s not a sustainable plan if this team wants to build a consistent contender.
Then there’s the Odafe Oweh situation. He was a key part of the rotation, and losing him in free agency leaves a noticeable gap. The Chargers already had to make tough decisions with a long list of free agents this offseason, and edge depth took a hit as a result.
That puts even more pressure on Tuipulotu. He’s been a great story and continues to develop, but he’s also nearing the point where he’ll be due for an extension. If the Chargers pay him—which they likely will—they need to make sure he’s paired with another high-end talent, not left to carry the load alone once Mack is gone.
And that’s really the heart of the argument.
Drafting an edge rusher now isn’t just about 2026—it’s about 2027 and beyond.
Imagine bringing in a young, explosive pass rusher who can learn behind Mack for a season. That’s the ideal scenario. You get the benefit of Mack’s experience while grooming the next guy to take over. By the time Mack is gone, you’re not scrambling to fill a premium position—you’ve already got your future in place.
We’ve seen how important elite edge duos are in today’s NFL. Teams that can consistently pressure the quarterback without blitzing have a massive advantage. The Chargers have a chance to build that kind of unit with Tuipulotu and a high draft pick, setting themselves up for years.
There’s also a financial angle to consider. Drafting and developing an edge rusher is far more cost-effective than trying to land one in free agency. Proven pass rushers don’t come cheap, and the Chargers already have big contracts to manage. A rookie deal gives them flexibility while maintaining upside.
At the end of the day, this isn’t about replacing Mack right now—it’s about preparing for the inevitable. The Chargers can either be proactive or reactive. If they wait until there’s a glaring hole, they’ll be forced into a tougher situation.
Drafting an edge rusher now gives them control, stability, and a clear plan for the future.
And for a team trying to get over the hump, that’s exactly the kind of move they need to make.