As the salary cap deadline quickly approaches, losing either Joey Bosa or Khalil Mack or even both is a very distinct possibility. If that is the case, the Los Angeles Chargers will be in desperate need of at least one edge rusher.
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The top tier of free agents have already been picked through, which is okay because the Chargers couldn’t afford them anyway. But there are several second-tier options that the Chargers can get but still offer plenty of upside.
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Edge Rushers For Los Angeles Chargers Post-Bosa/Mack Era
Chase Young
After struggling to stay healthy, the 25-year-old looks to be on the right track after spending a good chunk of last season with one of the best defensive line coaches in the league, Kris Kocurek in San Francisco.
Chase Young was great early in the year and finished among the top edge defenders in pass-rush win rate on the season. He has flashed as a strong-run defender, as well. He tied his career high last season with 7.5 sacks.
PROJECTED CONTRACT: 1 year, $15m
Josh Sweat
The Philadelphia Eagles have been busy this offseason and need to shed contracts to make room for big signings and they have been taking calls on several players including Josh Sweat. The Chargers would have to trade a day-three draft pick for him, but landing a proven pass rusher is worth that price.
Sweat had a down year last season, as did much of the Eagles’ defense. He had 6.5 sacks, 23 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles. He led the team with 70 pressures. He exploded in 2022, finishing the season with 11 sacks, but didn’t have nearly as many pressures, 51.
Sweat’s contract goes through the 2028 season, but after 2024 he has the option to void, which muddies the waters, but his 2024 cap hit is just $9 million and his contract can be renegotiated after he is traded.
Jadeveon Clowney
Jadeveon Clowney had an impressive season under Ravens’ defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, who utilized various strategies like simulated pressures and creative blitzes to maximize his impact.
It appears that Clowney may continue signing one-year deals based on his previous year’s performance, and after his standout performance in 2023, he’s likely to command a higher salary. During his time with the Ravens, he achieved his highest pressure rate, pass-rush win rate, and total pressures in a single season.
The 31-year-old would be a good option if they are able to retain Bosa on a restructured contract.
PROJECTED CONTRACT: 1 year, $9 million
Calais Campbell
The 38-year-old Calais Campbell was one of the bright spots on the Atlanta Falcons defense. He led the team in pressure and was once again a bear in stopping the run. He had a four-year personal best of 6.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss.
While he isn’t a pure pass rusher he’s the ability to help stop running backs is a huge plus to the Chargers defensive line. They were not only terrible at stopping the run last season, they have hardly anyone signed along the defensive front. At 6’8″ 290 lbs, he is a Jim Harbaugh-type of player.
Obviously, he is a stop-gap answer but would be a boon to coaches given his 16 seasons of experience.
PROJECTED CONTRACT: 1 year, $7 million
