The Los Angeles Chargers enter the season following a 2025 campaign defined by defensive resilience and notable roster adjustments, according to analysis from Warren Sharp’s 2026 Football Preview. The unit finished eighth in EPA allowed per pass and surrendered 6.6 yards per pass attempt, while managing a 16th-ranked pressure rate of 36.9 percent and collecting 45 sacks, as reported by Sharp Football Analysis.
Defensive Front and Pass Rush Dynamics
The Chargers defense leaned heavily on standout individual performances up front during the previous season. Tuli Tuipulotu recorded a career-high 13 sacks alongside an elite 17.9 percent pressure rate, which ranked sixth among all qualified pass rushers in the league, according to Sharp Football Analysis. Justin Eboigbe contributed significantly to the pass rush, while Dalvin Tomlinson joined the unit via free agency to bolster the interior.
Against the run, Los Angeles allowed 4.3 yards per carry to running backs, placing them 16th overall, though they excelled in forcing negative runs at the second-highest rate in the NFL. Teair Tart re-signed after solidifying his role as an effective run defender over his first two years with the franchise, and 2024 third-round pick Jamaree Caldwell also delivered strong performances against the run, per Sharp Football Analysis.
Personnel Changes and Linebacker Outlook
Roster turnover altered several defensive positions heading into the new season. While Odafe Oweh departed in free agency, veteran pass rusher Khalil Mack returned on a one-year deal following a 5.5-sack season across 12 games. Bud Dupree also returned to the front seven, and the team selected Akeem Mesidor in the first round of the draft, according to Sharp Football Analysis.
The linebacker corps experienced mixed results and health challenges last year. Daiyan Henley saw a regression in run defense, though he maintained strong coverage metrics by allowing just 6.3 yards per target and a 78.9 quarterback rating. Denzel Perryman was restricted to 10 games due to injuries, with Troy Dye stepping in as the primary third option. Junior Colson, a 2024 third-round selection, missed his entire rookie season on injured reserve and has logged just 218 career snaps.
Secondary Stability and Coaching Continuity
In the secondary, cornerback Tarheeb Still maintained a high level of play during his sophomore campaign, while fellow second-year corner Cam Hart experienced more inconsistent results despite recording 18 passes defensed across 30 career games. Donte Jackson logged the third-most snaps among returning cornerbacks and outperformed both Still and Hart on a per-coverage-snap basis, according to Sharp Football Analysis.
Safety Derwin James rebounded strongly under coordinator Chris O’Leary in 2024 and sustained that momentum through 2025 within his traditional versatile role. Elijah Molden navigated an injury-shortened year following his 2024 breakout under O’Leary, prompting optimism for a rebound. Tony Jefferson returned via free agency to manage third-safety responsibilities, and 2025 sixth-round choice RJ Mickens provided valuable depth by appearing in 328 snaps as a rookie, per Sharp Football Analysis.
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