Los Angeles Chargers 2025 Defensive Bright Spots

As the Los Angeles Chargers regroup from another devastating playoff loss, here’s a look back at some of the defensive heavy hitters this season.

Defensive Lineman Teair Tart

After being extended during the offseason, Tart put together another great year. He was a big contributor in the Wild Card game, where he sacked Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and had a stop on Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson.

And his biggest feat was taking his 315-pound frame vertical to tip a pass from Maye, which deflected off the hands of safety Derwin James Jr. and into linebacker Daiyan Henley’s for the interception.

He was integral in the Eagles’ matchup and had a fumble recovery during the fourth quarter against the Commanders in Week 5, where he recovered the ball after hitting it loose from Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt.

Tart didn’t only show up on the field, but also on the stat sheet. Tart had a career-high in solo tackles (22 in the regular season and three in the postseason) according to ESPN, along with a career high in snaps played (526 combined regular and postseason), and had his third-highest defensive grade according to (PFF) Pro Football Focus. 

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He’ll be needed for another season in LA as this defense looks to be even more dominant, so the Chargers need to hold onto him for another year.   

Los Angeles Cornerback Donte Jackson

Jackson kept coming up in my notes as he really added to the cornerback room in 2025. He had four interceptions with a career high in passes defended (12). He was creating all kinds of trouble for the Eagles during their matchup, as he had an interception, a pass breakup, and allowed three yards and one reception.

Jackson seems to have finally found a fit with the Los Angeles Chargers, and with one season in LA under his belt, he should be on track to turn in an even better performance this year. 

Edge Tuli Tuipulotu

Tuipulotu had another great year for the Chargers, with a career-high of 14 quarterback sacks between the regular and postseason. In particular, he was relentless against Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart in Week 4 and had four sacks, the most he’s ever had in a single game.

Tuipulotu had to step up this year with EDGE Joey Bosa gone to the Bills and edge Khalil Mack injured for several games in the early part of the season, and he met the moment. Perhaps next year, he can get into the 20s in sacks. 

Linebacker Daiyan Henley

Though Henley didn’t reach some of the heights of his 2024 season, he still had some good production. He led the Los Angeles Chargers in solo tackles (63 combined in regular and postseason) and had a career high in interceptions (three) and sacks (3.5).

He was an integral part of all aspects of the defense. As Daniel Popper noted in The Athletic in Week 2 against the Raiders, when Henley was battling an illness, “Henley did not just play in the game at Allegiant Stadium. He played one of the best games of his career. Henley is a first-time captain this season, and as linebacker Troy Dye said, “He has a C on his chest for a reason.” 

Edge Odafe Oweh

The departure of safety Alohi Gilman to the Ravens for Oweh midseason was a bit of a surprise, considering Gilman had been a big part of the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense, especially in the last few years. But once Oweh got warmed up in LA, it was game over for everyone else.

Between the regular and postseason, Oweh had 10.5 sacks, the second most of his career. In addition to sacking Patriots quarterback Drake Maye three times, he also knocked the ball out during one of those plays, and defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand recovered it.

Edge Bud Dupree didn’t quite live up to expectations this year, so it was great to have someone like Oweh come in and really solidify that position group with Mack and Tuipulotu.

Perhaps the Los Angeles Chargers can consider cutting Dupree, who has one year left on his contract, to save Oweh for the upcoming 2026 season, because Oweh seems to fit in.