When a new head coach takes the reins in the NFL, it’s not uncommon to see familiar faces follow them to their new destination. Players who thrived under a coach’s system-or simply built a strong relationship-often become prime targets in free agency. With Jesse Minter now officially the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, it’s worth keeping a close eye on a handful of Los Angeles Chargers defenders who could be on his radar.
Minter made his mark as the Chargers’ defensive coordinator over the past two seasons, earning respect across the locker room and helping turn around a unit that had been inconsistent in years prior. Now leading the Ravens, a franchise known for its defensive tradition, Minter may look to bring in some of his former players to help install his system and culture in Baltimore. Let’s break down a few names who could be potential fits.
Khalil Mack (EDGE)
Let’s start with the headliner. Khalil Mack has been a household name for over a decade, and while he’s no longer the unstoppable force of his prime, he’s still a player offenses have to account for.
At 34, Mack’s best days may be behind him, but his production in limited action last season says he’s far from done. In just 12 games, he racked up 5.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, 11 quarterback hits, and 23 pressures.
That’s not just serviceable-that’s impact.
Mack is only two years removed from a 17-sack campaign in 2023, a reminder that when healthy, he can still wreck a game plan. If the Ravens decide not to re-sign Kyle Van Noy-another savvy veteran-they could pivot to Mack as a replacement who brings a similar presence but potentially more juice off the edge.
He won’t come cheap, but at his age, he likely won’t command top-tier money either. For a team that values experience and toughness in its front seven, Mack would check a lot of boxes.
Odafe Oweh (EDGE)
This one would be a twist. Odafe Oweh, a former Ravens first-round pick, was dealt to the Chargers at the trade deadline this past season. The move came after a sluggish start in Baltimore, but in Los Angeles-under Minter-Oweh found his spark again.
In 12 games with the Chargers, Oweh posted 7.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hits, eight tackles for loss, and 19 pressures. He capped it off with a dominant Wild Card performance that included three sacks and two forced fumbles. That’s the kind of production the Ravens envisioned when they drafted him in 2021.
At 27, Oweh is right in the middle of his athletic prime. A return to Baltimore might seem unlikely on the surface, but if Minter believes he can continue unlocking Oweh’s potential, it’s a reunion worth considering. Of course, it would likely require a significant financial commitment, but the upside is hard to ignore.
Tony Jefferson (S)
A fan favorite in Baltimore, Tony Jefferson could be eyeing a second act with the Ravens. After retiring and then returning to the league in 2024, Jefferson reunited with Minter in Los Angeles and put together one of the best seasons of his career.
At 33, Jefferson proved he still has something left in the tank. He played in 13 games (starting eight) and recorded four interceptions, seven pass breakups, and 57 tackles.
His passer rating allowed when targeted? A career-best 62.3.
That’s elite territory for any safety, let alone a veteran coming off a short retirement.
Jefferson has always been known as a strong safety who thrives near the line of scrimmage, but in 2025, he showed he can still hold up in coverage. With the Ravens in need of a third safety to complement Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks, Jefferson could be a smart, low-risk signing who also contributes on special teams and brings leadership to the locker room.
Teair Tart (DT)
Tart may not be a household name, but he’s been quietly dependable over the past two seasons with the Chargers. Before that, he spent time with the Titans and Texans, carving out a role as a sturdy run defender. In 2025, he started all 17 games for Los Angeles and didn’t miss a snap-durability that the Ravens could use on their defensive line.
Baltimore enters the offseason needing help up front, especially if they lose key contributors. While Tart isn’t going to bring much in the way of pass rush-just 3.5 career sacks and 29 pressures-he’s a reliable presence against the run. At 28, he’s still in his prime and would offer a younger option compared to veterans like John Jenkins and Brent Urban.
He’s not a one-for-one replacement for someone like Nnamdi Manubuike, but Tart could be a valuable rotational piece who helps solidify the interior.
Benjamin St-Juste (CB)
St-Juste’s time in Washington was a mixed bag, but his one-year stint with the Chargers under Minter showed signs of growth. He wasn’t a full-time starter-logging just two starts and 356 snaps-but his efficiency metrics were the best of his career.
Opposing quarterbacks completed just 53.5% of their passes against him, and his passer rating allowed was a stingy 68.3. He also gave up only 10.3 yards per reception.
His 77.0 PFF grade ranked eighth among all qualified corners, which speaks to how effective he was in a reduced role. At 28, St-Juste still has upside, and he’d be a solid depth addition for a Ravens secondary that could look very different next season.
Marlon Humphrey’s play dipped in 2025, Chidobe Awuzie is set to hit free agency, and outside of Nate Wiggins, there aren’t many sure things at cornerback. St-Juste wouldn’t be a splash signing, but he’s the kind of under-the-radar move that can pay off in a big way over a 17-game season.
Final Thoughts
Jesse Minter knows what he wants in a defense, and he knows which players can execute it. As the Ravens look to retool and reload heading into 2026, don’t be surprised if a few of Minter’s former Chargers make their way to Baltimore. Whether it’s a veteran like Mack or Jefferson, or a younger piece like Oweh or St-Juste, these are players who already understand the system-and more importantly, have thrived in it.
It’s not just about familiarity. It’s about fit. And if Minter sees these players as the right pieces to build his vision in Baltimore, the Ravens could be one of the more intriguing teams to watch this offseason.