The Los Angeles Chargers are among the leaders in cap space heading into NFL free agency, with an opportunity to create even more room if edge rusher Joey Bosa is released. All of that money will be needed to address some glaring needs on both sides of the ball.
With Bosa expected to be released and edge rusher Khalil Mack expected to test NFL free agency, finding pass-rushing help is a priority. While there isn’t necessarily an All-Pro player coming available, Los Angeles will have a few options to choose from.
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Re-signing Mack is among them, and there appears to be mutual interest between the two parties. Outside of Mack, the free-agent class of edge rushers includes Haason Reddick, Malcolm Koonce, Josh Sweat, Azeez Ojulari, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Matthew Judon.
Evaluating the club’s situation, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated highlighted Sweat as someone the Chargers could consider to replace the void at pass rusher left by potentially moving on from Bosa and Mack.
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Sweat, who turns 28 at the end of March, was phenomenal during the NFL playoffs for the Philadelphia Eagles. The veteran pass rusher was credited with 4 pressures, 3 QB hits, 3 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks during the team’s postseason run.
As for the potential cost of landing Sweat, contract estimates have him landing a multi-year deal worth north of $21 million per season. However, unlike Bosa, Sweat has consistently stayed on the field, with 16-plus games played in four consecutive seasons.
While adding a pass rusher in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, it’s also a position with a high volatility rate. Given the team’s intentions of pushing to make a playoff run next season and the potential loss of two starting edge rushers, Los Angeles will likely double-dip at the position using both free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft to fill the void.
