Shawne Merriman won in a landslide to be the EDGE1 on the Chargers Quarter Century Team. Who will end up joining him as the EDGE2?
In what may be a surprise. Shawne Merriman was our first poll to become the first edge player named to the Chargers Quarter Century Team. Despite the injuries that shortened his career, fans know just how good he was, and could have been, so they let their voices be heard here.
Next up, let’s find the pass rusher who will end up joining him! Back to the poll!
Joey Bosa (2016-2024)
Bosa was selected by the Chargers in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He was named the Pepsi Defensive Rookie of the Year after recording 10.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss in just 12 games (11 starts). Despite dealing with a rash of injuries for the majority of his career, Bosa still finished his time in powder blue with 72 sacks, the second most for a player in franchise history.
In all, Bosa started 93 games while playing in 107 total with the Chargers. He was named to the Pro Bowl five times (2017, 2019-2021, 2024).
Shaun Phillips (2004-2012)
Phillips was a day-three gem found by the Chargers in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. Despite starting just three games in his first two seasons, Phillips found a way to contribute with 11 sacks from 2004-2005. He won a starting job in 2006, playing in 14 games and notching a career-high 11.5 sacks.
Phillips would only record double-digit sacks three times in his career, but his longevity as a seven-year starter for the Chargers helped him finish his career with 69.5 sacks (third all time, which ranked second in franchise history until Bosa bested the mark during the 2024 season.
In 2010, Phillips was named to the first and only Pro Bowl of his career. In 2009, Phillips led the league with seven forced fumbles.
Khalil Mack (2022-2024)
Mack has the shortest tenure with the Chargers amongst these players but it just felt wrong to not include the guy who tied the franchise record for sacks in a season (17) in 2023.
In three seasons, the former first-round pick of the Raiders has accumulated 31 sacks and 39 tackles for loss, both the high marks for any player by far over that span. Even when he’s not taking down a quarterback, Mack’s impact on defending the run, and even getting his hands up in the passing lane, have been essential to the Chargers defense.
With at least one more season to go with the Chargers, Mack has an opportunity to assert himself further into team annals. With 10 sacks in 2025, he’d break into the top 12. With 14, he’d tied Leroy Jones for 10th all time.
Since joining the Chargers, Mack has been named to the Pro Bowl each of the past three seasons. During the 2023 season, Mack crossed the threshold of 100 career sacks to become just the 19th player in league history to do so.
Melvin Ingram (2012-2020)
Ingram was selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL out of South Carolina. After being seen as a ‘tweener coming out of college, Ingram reshaped his body to become one of the best finesse pass rushers in the NFL.
From 2015-2018, Ingram started every single game for the Chargers, amassing 36 sacks and 49 tackles for loss. From 2017-2019, he was named to three consecutive Pro Bowls.
Ingram’s 49 career sacks with the Chargers rank seventh all time in franchise history.