{"id":479865,"date":"2026-02-17T04:48:10","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T04:48:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/479865\/"},"modified":"2026-02-17T04:48:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T04:48:10","slug":"chargers-odafe-oweh-franchise-tag-situation-gets-first-notable-reporting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/479865\/","title":{"rendered":"Chargers, Odafe Oweh Franchise Tag Situation Gets First Notable Reporting"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Los Angeles Chargers<\/a> don\u2019t feel like a team about to use the franchise tag this offseason.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Doing so wouldn\u2019t be the worst idea, though. Odafe Oweh feels like the top Chargers franchise tag candidate<\/a>, if things get desperate. And general manager Joe Hortiz and the front office have roughly $83.7 million in free cap space<\/a>, so there\u2019s wiggle room.<\/p>\n

With the franchise tag window opening<\/a> on Tuesday and stretching through March 3, it\u2019s a good time to go out and find some reporting on Oweh\u2019s standing ahead of free agency.\u00a0<\/p>\n

RELATED: 3 Chargers Veterans Who Won’t Be on the Roster Next Season<\/a><\/p>\n

Chargers Odafe Oweh franchise tag report<\/p>\n

Right now, Oweh has a suggested market value of a $19.3 million average annual salary at Spotrac<\/a> on a three-year deal worth nearly $58 million.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Oweh has said he wants to be back. And the Chargers certainly want him back in the fold.<\/p>\n

Recent reporting from Jonathan Jones<\/a> of CBS Sports seems to confirm as much, too, with early signs pointing to a tag being unnecessary:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Chargers have the cap space, and Oweh did produce 7.5 sacks in 12 games after they traded for him. Still, sources would be surprised if Los Angeles issued the tag.\u201d<\/p>\n

RELATED: Chargers Should Take a Flier on Former Top Prospect Ruined by Cowboys<\/a><\/p>\n

Odafe Oweh (@DafeOweh<\/a>) hits a tight cross chop\/club against the chipping TE, then flows into another cross chop\/club using the opposite hand fighting sequence. Ends up with the sack! #PassRush<\/a> #BoltUp<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/kg0ECAQtlP<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 DLineVids (@dlinevids1) October 24, 2025<\/a>Why franchise tag Odafe Oweh?<\/p>\n

Former first-round picks at the age of 27 in the middle of their primes don\u2019t come walking through the door often.\u00a0<\/p>\n

And they especially don\u2019t cost a mere fifth-round pick and rotational starter via trade before a sudden breakout over the second half of a season.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Alas, that\u2019s what happened when the Chargers acquired Oweh from the Baltimore Ravens last October. He had zero sacks with the Ravens over five games, then broke out for 7.5 over 12 games with the Chargers. That nearly reached his career-high count over 17 games from 2024 (10).\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Chargers have excelled at finding players who fit the defensive scheme. But former coordinator Jesse Minter is now head coach of those Ravens, so locking down Oweh can help new coordinator Chris O\u2019Leary succeed.<\/p>\n

Keep in mind, too, that Khalil Mack is also a free agent. The Chargers have the cap space needed to use a tag or extend Oweh. Keep in mind the tag can be used as a stopgap while they still iron out a long-term deal into the summer.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Regardless, the Chargers hold the leverage and it\u2019s not shocking to hear there\u2019s little concern about a tag getting used right now.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Enjoy free coverage of the Chargers from Los Angeles Chargers on SI<\/a> \u2014<\/p>\n

Sign Up For the Chargers Daily Digest – OnSI\u2019s Free Los Angeles Chargers Newsletter<\/a><\/p>\n

More Los Angeles Chargers News:<\/p>\n

Chargers Free Agency Predictions Include Key Re-Signings<\/a><\/p>\n

Chargers\u2019 Key Free Agent Getting Zero Attention So far<\/a><\/p>\n

Are Chargers on List of 16-20 Teams in Maxx Crosby NFL Trade Buzz?<\/a><\/p>\n

Chargers Proposed as one of NFL’s Best Tyreek Hill Landing Spots<\/a><\/p>\n