Odafe Oweh's Arrival Strengthens the Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive unit received a significant boost in the 2025 NFL off-season with the arrival of edge rusher Odafe Oweh, a former first-round pick acquired via a trade with the Baltimore Ravens. After four seasons in Baltimore, where Oweh established himself as a consistent pass-rusher with 22 career sacks and 58 quarterback pressures, his move to Los Angeles filled a critical need for the Chargers: depth and versatility in their edge-rush rotation. Prior to Oweh’s arrival, the Chargers relied heavily on veterans Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, with rookies and role players providing limited support. Oweh’s combination of speed (4.39-second 40-yard dash), size (6-foot-5, 252 pounds), and experience immediately elevated the unit, turning a strong pass-rush into one of the most feared in the AFC. Odafe Oweh's Arrival Strengthens the Los Angeles Chargers explores the details of his acquisition, how he’s integrated into the Chargers’ defense, and the tangible impact he’s had on the team’s performance through the first half of the season. For a Chargers team with playoff aspirations, Oweh’s arrival has been a game-changer.

Odafe Oweh's Arrival Strengthens the Los Angeles Chargers begins with the context of his trade, which unfolded in March 2025. The Chargers sent a 2026 third-round draft pick to the Ravens in exchange for Oweh, a move driven by two key factors: the Ravens’ need to clear salary cap space and the Chargers’ desire to add a proven edge-rusher to support Mack and Bosa. At the time of the trade, Chargers general manager Tom Telesco emphasized Oweh’s fit with the team’s defensive scheme: “Odafe is exactly the type of player we’ve been targeting. He can rush the passer from multiple spots, hold up against the run, and he’s still entering his prime. Adding him to our rotation means we can keep our top pass-rushers fresh, which is critical over a 17-game season.” Oweh, for his part, expressed excitement about the move: “Los Angeles has a talented defense, and playing alongside guys like Khalil and Joey is a dream. I want to contribute to a winning culture, and I think this team has what it takes to go far.” The trade was widely praised by analysts, who noted that Oweh’s arrival addressed the Chargers’ biggest defensive weakness: lack of reliable depth behind their star edge-rushers.

A key part of Oweh’s impact has been his ability to play multiple roles in the Chargers’ defense, as highlighted in Odafe Oweh's Arrival Strengthens the Los Angeles Chargers. Defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley hasn’t limited Oweh to a single position; instead, he’s used him as a traditional edge-rusher, a stand-up linebacker in nickel packages, and even as an interior pass-rusher in short-yardage situations. This versatility was on full display in Week 4 against the Houston Texans, when Oweh recorded 2 sacks and 3 quarterback pressures while playing three different positions. On his first sack, he lined up as a right edge-rusher and used a speed move to beat Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil. On his second, he shifted to an interior spot, using his strength to push Texans guard Shaq Mason back into quarterback C.J. Stroud’s lap. “Odafe’s versatility makes him impossible to game-plan for,” Ansley said after the game. “Offenses don’t know where he’s going to line up, and that creates chaos. He’s not just a pass-rusher—he’s a Swiss Army knife for our defense.” This flexibility has also allowed the Chargers to keep Mack and Bosa fresh, with Oweh taking on 40% of the edge-rush snaps in most games.

Odafe Oweh's Arrival Strengthens the Los Angeles Chargers also delves into his impact on the Chargers’ run defense, an area that struggled in 2024 but has improved dramatically in 2025. Last season, the Chargers ranked 24th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (120.5), but with Oweh in the lineup, they’ve climbed to 11th (102.3). Oweh’s strength and technique as a run-stopper have been critical: he uses his long arms to shed blockers, and his speed allows him to chase down running backs from the backside. In Week 7 against the Denver Broncos, for example, Oweh made a key play in the fourth quarter, tackling Broncos running back Javonte Williams for a 3-yard loss on third-and-1 to force a punt. The stop preserved a 17-14 Chargers lead and helped seal the win. “Odafe’s contribution to our run defense can’t be overstated,” head coach Brandon Staley said. “He’s not just here to get sacks—he’s here to stop the run, and he does that at a high level. That balance makes our entire defense better.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, a stronger run defense has meant fewer long drives by opponents, reducing the pressure on their offense to score quickly.

Another notable impact of Oweh’s arrival is his influence on the Chargers’ younger edge-rushers, particularly rookie Tuli Tuipulotu. Oweh has taken Tuipulotu under his wing, sharing tips on pass-rush techniques, film study, and how to handle the physicality of the NFL. The two work together in practice, with Oweh demonstrating moves like the “swim rush” and the “spin move,” and Tuipulotu absorbing the advice. The results have been evident: Tuipulotu, who had 3 sacks in his first six games, has recorded 5 sacks in the six games since Oweh joined the team. “Odafe has been a great mentor,” Tuipulotu said. “He’s been through the ups and downs of the NFL, and he’s willing to share what he knows. We work on moves every day, and he helps me see things on film that I wouldn’t notice on my own.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, this mentorship has accelerated Tuipulotu’s development, creating a pipeline of young edge-rushers that will benefit the team for years to come. “Having veterans like Odafe who invest in young players is crucial,” Telesco said. “It’s not just about what he does on the field—it’s about what he does for the future of our team.”

Odafe Oweh's Arrival Strengthens the Los Angeles Chargers concludes with a look at his impact on the Chargers’ playoff hopes and his future with the team. Through 12 games, Oweh has recorded 7 sacks, 18 quarterback pressures, and 3 forced fumbles, and the Chargers have a 8-4 record—good for second place in the AFC West. His performance has also sparked talks of a contract extension, with the Chargers eager to keep him in Los Angeles long-term. “Odafe has exceeded our expectations,” Staley said. “He’s a great player, a great teammate, and he fits our culture. We want him here for a long time.” Oweh, for his part, has embraced life in Los Angeles, participating in community events and becoming a fan favorite at SoFi Stadium. “This team has made me feel welcome from day one,” Oweh said. “The fans are amazing, and the guys in the locker room are like family. I want to help bring a championship to Los Angeles.” As the Chargers enter the stretch run of the season, Oweh’s presence will be critical—especially in games against tough AFC opponents like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens. In the end, Odafe Oweh's Arrival Strengthens the Los Angeles Chargers isn’t just about a single player—it’s about how one addition can elevate an entire unit, turn a good team into a contender, and give fans hope for a deep playoff run.