Locked On Chargers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Chargers · Locked On Podcast Network, David Droegemeier, Daniel Wade

NO TAG: Chargers WILL NOT Franchise Tag Odafe Oweh Says GM Joe Hortiz | Combine Takeaways

February 25, 2026·32 min·3 clips

Chargers GM Joe Hortiz shocks fans by ruling out the franchise tag for star edge rusher Adafio Oweh.

General Manager Joe Hortiz stated the Chargers will not use the franchise tag this offseason. Hosts Daniel Wade and David Droegemeier, who have covered the team for a decade, analyze this and other combine takeaways. The franchise tag for an edge rusher would cost approximately $27.8 million, a figure the team hopes to beat in multi-year negotiations. Hortiz specifically mentioned edge rushers Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack as players the organization wants to re-sign. He noted the team has the salary cap space to invest heavily in the edge rusher position. Oweh recorded a 17-game sack pace of 13.5 after joining the Chargers last season. The hosts speculate the team has already made preliminary contract offers to both free agents. Daniel Popper of The Athletic suggested Khalil Mack might only play for the Chargers or retire, giving the team an inside track. Hortiz also commented that the upcoming draft is deep at edge rusher, presenting a potential alternative to high-priced free agents. The hosts believe securing at least one of Oweh or Mack is crucial for the defense's success. Hortiz confirmed the team has not yet begun extension talks with star defensive end Tuli Tuipulotu, who is still under contract. He expressed a clear desire for Tuipulotu to remain with the Chargers long-term. The hosts note a risk in waiting, as a huge 2025 season could dramatically increase Tuipulotu's price tag. The arrival of new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel will change how the team evaluates offensive personnel, particularly linemen. Hortiz compared this shift to when the Baltimore Ravens adopted a wide-zone scheme under Gary Kubiak in 2014. The new scheme requires more athletic offensive linemen who can effectively move in space. Protecting quarterback Justin Herbert was a topic, with Hortiz emphasizing a holistic team-building approach rather than focusing solely on the offensive line. The hosts express frustration with this answer, citing Herbert being hit 129 times last season. They argue that improving the interior offensive line is the most direct way to help Herbert. With center Bradley Bozeman retired, finding a new starter is a priority, and Hortiz said the team "will try" to address it in free agency. Reporters attempted to ask about potential target Tyler Linderbaum, but Hortiz declined to discuss players under contract with other teams. The hosts believe the Chargers must sign a proven starting center. The future of guard Zion Johnson, another free agent, was discussed, with Hortiz indicating the team has a valuation range but no "hard ceiling." The hosts are open to re-signing Johnson but are wary of a potential contract averaging $18-20 million annually. They reference the Aaron Banks deal with the Packers as a benchmark that could inflate the guard market. Hortiz was notably evasive when asked about guard Matt Becton, leading the hosts to believe Becton will be released. Releasing Becton would free up nearly $9 million in cap space, potentially giving the Chargers the most cap space in the NFL. The hosts see this as a necessary move, as Becton does not fit McDaniel's new offensive scheme. The episode maintains a conversational and analytical tone between two informed hosts. It is structured around dissecting the general manager's public comments to forecast team strategy. This episode is ideal for Los Angeles Chargers fans seeking detailed offseason roster analysis and salary cap discussion. Listeners looking for broad NFL news or entertainment-focused content might find it too team-specific.

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A focused Chargers update with real offseason implications.

Joe Hortiz's Combine comments give this Chargers episode its edge, especially his note that he is not planning to use the franchise tag. From there, the conversation moves at a good clip: cap implications, scheme fit, and the way a change in offensive approach could reshape the…

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