Odafe Oweh's Addition Bolsters the Los Angeles Chargers Edge

When the Los Angeles Chargers signed defensive end Odafe Oweh to a one-year, $9 million contract in free agency, the move was widely viewed as a strategic effort to revitalize their edge-rushing unit—a group that had struggled to generate consistent pressure on quarterbacks last season. The Chargers ranked 18th in the NFL in sacks (37) and 22nd in quarterback pressure rate (26.8%) in 2023, with their edge rushers outside of Joey Bosa often failing to create mismatches against opposing offensive tackles. Oweh, a former first-round pick (2021, Baltimore Ravens) with 17.5 career sacks and a reputation for speed and athleticism, emerged as the ideal candidate to complement Bosa and address the Chargers’ biggest defensive need. Odafe Oweh's Addition Bolsters the Los Angeles Chargers Edge explores how Oweh’s arrival has transformed the Chargers’ edge-rushing corps, from immediate on-field production to strategic flexibility and long-term stability.

Oweh’s fit with the Chargers’ edge-rushing needs became apparent early in offseason workouts, as his athletic profile directly addressed the team’s lack of speed off the edge. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 252 pounds, Oweh boasts a 4.39-second 40-yard dash time—among the fastest ever recorded for a defensive end—and uses that speed to beat offensive tackles around the outside, a skill the Chargers had been missing. In Baltimore, Oweh specialized in “speed rushes,” using quick first steps and fluid hip movement to turn the corner on blockers, and he recorded at least 5 sacks in each of his first three seasons. For the Chargers, who had relied heavily on Bosa’s power-based rush moves, Oweh’s speed provides a complementary style that forces opposing offenses to adjust their protection schemes. “Odafe brings a different element to our edge rush—his speed is elite, and it forces tackles to play on their heels,” said Chargers defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill. “When you pair that with Joey’s power, you create a mismatch no offensive line can handle. Quarterbacks can’t focus on just one of them; they have to worry about both edges.” In OTAs, Oweh quickly integrated into the Chargers’ defense, running with the first-team unit opposite Bosa and recording multiple pressures in team drills. Odafe Oweh's Addition Bolsters the Los Angeles Chargers Edge emphasizes that Oweh’s skill set isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a missing piece that makes the entire edge-rushing corps more dynamic.

The immediate impact of Oweh’s addition was on full display in the Chargers’ Week 1 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, where he recorded 2 sacks, 3 quarterback hits, and a forced fumble in his debut. His first sack came in the second quarter, when he used a quick speed rush to beat Raiders right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor around the edge, dropping quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for a 7-yard loss. His second sack, in the fourth quarter, came on a critical third-and-10 play: Oweh faked a speed rush, then used a inside counter move to slip past Eluemunor and sack Garoppolo, forcing a Raiders punt and preserving the Chargers’ 10-point lead. “Odafe was exactly what we needed today,” Bosa said after the game. “He kept their tackle off balance all game—one play he’s speeding around the edge, the next he’s cutting inside. That’s the kind of versatility we’ve been missing.” Beyond his individual stats, Oweh’s presence also benefited Bosa, who faced fewer double-teams than usual. With Oweh demanding attention on the opposite edge, Bosa was able to record 1 sack and 2 quarterback hits—numbers that would likely have been lower without Oweh drawing pressure. Odafe Oweh's Addition Bolsters the Los Angeles Chargers Edge highlights that Oweh’s debut wasn’t just a strong individual performance—it was a catalyst for making the entire edge-rushing unit more effective.

Oweh’s addition has also reshaped the Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive rotation, allowing the team to keep their edge rushers fresh and avoid overworking Bosa. Last season, Bosa played 78% of the Chargers’ defensive snaps—among the highest for edge rushers in the NFL—and showed signs of fatigue in the second half of games, with his sack total dropping from 8 in the first 8 games to 4 in the final 9. With Oweh now in the fold, the Chargers have reduced Bosa’s snap count to 65% through the first three weeks of 2024, using Oweh and backup edge rusher Chris Rumph II to spell him on early-down plays. “Keeping Joey fresh is crucial—he’s our best defensive player, and we need him at his best in the fourth quarter,” Hill said. “Odafe lets us do that without sacrificing production on the other edge. When Joey’s on the sideline, Odafe is still creating pressure, which keeps the offense off balance.” The Los Angeles Chargers have also used Oweh in specialized packages, including “edge blitzes” where he lines up as a stand-up linebacker before rushing the passer—a role that leverages his speed and agility. In Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs, this package resulted in Oweh’s third sack of the season, as he beat Chiefs left tackle Donovan Smith with a quick blitz off the edge. Odafe Oweh's Addition Bolsters the Los Angeles Chargers Edge shows that the Los Angeles Chargers’ edge rotation is now deeper and more versatile, thanks to Oweh’s arrival.

Longer term, Oweh’s addition gives the Los Angeles Chargers a chance to evaluate a young, high-upside edge rusher with an eye toward a long-term contract—a move that aligns with the team’s goal of building a sustainable defense. At just 25 years old, Oweh is entering his prime and has shown steady improvement throughout his career, with his sack total increasing from 5 in 2021 to 6.5 in 2023. While his one-year contract gives the Chargers flexibility, it also gives Oweh an opportunity to prove he can be a consistent, top-tier edge rusher—something the team hasn’t had opposite Bosa since Melvin Ingram left in 2021. “Odafe has all the tools to be a Pro Bowl-caliber player,” said Chargers general manager Tom Telesco. “This one-year deal is a win-win: it lets him showcase his talent, and it lets us see if he’s the right fit for our long-term plans. If he continues to play like he has, we’d love to keep him in Los Angeles.” The Los Angeles Chargers have also paired Oweh with Bosa in film sessions, where Bosa has shared tips on pass-rushing technique and game preparation—mentorship that could help Oweh reach his full potential. “Joey’s been great—he’s not just a teammate, he’s a teacher,” Oweh said. “He’s shown me how to read offensive tackles, how to set up moves, and how to stay consistent. Playing with him has made me a better player.” Odafe Oweh's Addition Bolsters the Los Angeles Chargers Edge underscores that the Los Angeles Chargers’ signing of Oweh isn’t just a short-term fix—it’s an investment in building a dominant edge-rushing duo that can compete with the NFL’s best for years to come.

As the Los Angeles Chargers push toward the playoffs, Oweh’s impact on the edge has only grown, with the team now ranking 8th in the NFL in sacks (14) and 10th in quarterback pressure rate (32.1%) through the first four weeks of 2024. In a Week 4 win over the Denver Broncos, Oweh recorded 1 sack, 2 quarterback hits, and a pass breakup, and he was instrumental in limiting Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson to just 198 passing yards and 1 touchdown. His most critical play came in the third quarter, when he forced a fumble by Wilson on a sack, which was recovered by Chargers defensive tackle Austin Johnson and led to a Chargers field goal. “Odafe’s playmaking ability is what makes him special,” said Chargers safety Derwin James. “He doesn’t just get sacks—he makes plays that change the momentum of the game. That’s the kind of player you need to win big games.” The Los Angeles Chargers’ edge-rushing unit now ranks among the best in the AFC, with Bosa and Oweh combining for 9 sacks through four games—tied for the most by any edge-rushing duo in the league. What started as a one-year contract to address a need has turned into one of the most impactful signings of the offseason, and it’s positioned the Chargers as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Odafe Oweh's Addition Bolsters the Los Angeles Chargers Edge concludes that the Los Angeles Chargers’ acquisition of Odafe Oweh is a masterclass in targeted roster building—identifying a critical need, signing a player who fits the scheme and culture, and unlocking his potential through mentorship and opportunity. For Charger Nation, Oweh’s arrival isn’t just a boost to the edge rush—it’s a sign that the team is serious about winning, and willing to make the moves necessary to compete at the highest level.