When it comes to building a championship-caliber defense in today’s NFL, getting after the quarterback isn’t optional-it’s essential. And for a handful of teams heading into the 2026 offseason, edge rusher is at the top of the shopping list. The San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and Chicago Bears all have pressing needs on the edge, and there’s a name on the market who could help solve that problem: Odafe Oweh.
Let’s start with San Francisco. The Niners finished the 2025 season with just 20 sacks-dead last in the league.
That’s a staggering stat for a team with playoff aspirations. Sure, losing Nick Bosa to a torn ACL was a massive blow, but the cracks were already showing before that injury.
The pass rush lacked depth and consistency, and it became painfully clear that relying on Bosa to carry the unit wasn’t sustainable. This offseason, the 49ers have to find a way to add firepower off the edge, and Oweh could be a strong fit.
Dallas is in a similar boat, but for different reasons. The Cowboys made waves last offseason when they traded away Micah Parsons to the Packers.
That move left a crater in their pass rush, and the results were predictable-they managed just 35 sacks on the year. Without Parsons wreaking havoc, the defense struggled to generate consistent pressure.
That’s not going to cut it in a division where you're chasing dynamic offenses like Philadelphia’s. The Cowboys need a new tone-setter on the edge, and Oweh’s blend of speed and explosiveness could be exactly what they’re missing.
Chicago, meanwhile, has one piece in place with Montez Sweat, but they need someone to complement him. The Bears also finished with 35 sacks in 2025, and while rookie Austin Booker showed flashes with 4.5 sacks in 10 games, he’s still a developmental player best suited for a rotational role at this stage. Pairing Sweat with a more established pass rusher would give Chicago the kind of one-two punch that can flip a game-and a season.
Then there’s Philadelphia. The Eagles made a midseason move to bring in Jaelan Phillips, hoping to inject life into their pass rush.
Phillips delivered, but he’s now heading into free agency, and there’s no guarantee he’ll be back. Even if he does return, the Eagles could still use another impact player on the edge.
Depth matters, especially late in the season when injuries pile up and rotations tighten. Oweh could be a key part of a reloaded front seven in Philly.
Now, let’s talk about Oweh himself. After a quiet start to 2025 with the Ravens-zero sacks in five games-he was traded to the Chargers, and that change of scenery made all the difference.
In 12 games with Los Angeles, Oweh racked up 7.5 sacks, showing the kind of burst and bend that made him a first-round pick. And when the lights got brighter in the postseason, he stepped up again, notching three sacks in a wild-card win over the Patriots.
That kind of performance in a pressure moment doesn’t go unnoticed.
The Chargers would love to keep him, no doubt. But there are roster decisions looming.
If they choose to bring back Khalil Mack and lock in Tuli Tuipulotu with a long-term deal, they may not have the flexibility to retain Oweh. That opens the door for a bidding war-and given how valuable edge rushers are, there could be plenty of suitors lined up.
Oweh is projected to command a deal in the range of three years, $57.9 million. That’s a significant investment, but for teams desperate for edge help, it might be worth every penny. He’s still young, he’s got elite athletic traits, and he’s shown he can produce in the right system.
If he hits the open market, expect the 49ers, Bears, Eagles, and Cowboys to all be in the mix. And don’t count out the Chargers, either-they’ve seen firsthand what Oweh can do when he’s locked in. Whether he stays in L.A. or finds a new home, one thing’s clear: Odafe Oweh is going to be one of the most intriguing names to watch this offseason.