One thing you always have to pay close attention to in NFL Free Agency? Three degrees of separation. And many times, you don't even need three degrees, or even two. The point is, connections matter a lot when it comes to free agents finding fits with their next destination, and new head coaches often love bringing players along with them who have familiarity with their systems and expectations.
That should be no different for new Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter, who should be able to keep the Chargers-to-Ravens pipeline as strong as ever, especially for guys who thrived in his defense with the Chargers.
Which players does Minter need to make sure he's recruiting to Baltimore in the 2026 offseason?
3 free agents Jesse Minter needs to bring with him from the Chargers to the Ravens
1. Odafe Oweh, EDGE
Hey, you know what, water under the bridge. Right?
The Baltimore Ravens need players who can bring pressure off the edge, and things just didn't work out with former first-round pick Odafe Oweh when he was with the Ravens before. The Ravens shipped him off to play for Jesse Minter and the Chargers, and he discovered his potential playing in Minter's defense.
He also made himself a lot of money.
The Ravens should let bygones be bygones and try to bring him back. As hilarious as it would be, it actually makes a lot of sense for both sides. The Ravens need the help in the pass rush department, and Oweh thrived playing for Minter. If he can get a fat contract on top of it all, it seems like a no-brainer more than anything else.
2. Teair Tart, DL
It makes absolutely no sense, but Teair Tart was sort of just floating around the NFL as recently as late in the 2023 season. After starting the year with the Titans, he was cut by Tennessee and claimed by the Texans. And in the 2024 offseason, the Chargers scooped him up for next to nothing.
At least, compared to his on-field impact.
Tart isn't the type of defensive lineman who is going to load up the stat sheet with TFLs and sacks, but he's the type of defensive lineman who constantly jumps off the tape, making an impact every snap he gets. He was one of Minter's most trusted players on the Chargers' defensive front the past couple of seasons, including playing 499 snaps in 2025.
He would be a fantastic pickup for a Ravens defense that needs help from the inside-out.
3. Khalil Mack, EDGE
Even though he's not going to be contending for Defensive Player of the Year again anytime soon, Khalil Mack is absolutely still capable of making a significant impact on a championship defense.
In just 12 games this past season, Mack had 5.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles. He can still get it done, and as part of a rotation, he would be a huge asset to the Ravens.
At this stage of his NFL career, Mack is ring chasing. He's accomplished pretty much everything else there is to accomplish, and the Ravens would give him a great opportunity. He could mentor the young pass rushers in Baltimore, contribute in a rotation, and play in a defense he's familiar with. This one makes sense for both sides.