The Baltimore Ravens have made a significant move to revamp their struggling defense by trading pass rusher Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers. In exchange, the Ravens will receive safety Alohi Gilman and a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, along with the Chargers’ seventh-round pick in 2027. The trade was confirmed by sources close to the situation on October 3, 2023.
Oweh, 26, had a promising season last year, achieving a career-high of 10 sacks. However, his performance has drastically declined this season, with no sacks recorded in the first five games. The 31st overall pick in the 2021 draft has seen his playing time diminish to a career-low of 45% of the Ravens’ defensive snaps. By trading Oweh, the Ravens will free up approximately $8 million in cap space, as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
Baltimore’s defense has struggled this season, allowing the most points in the NFL, averaging 35.4 points per game, and ranking 31st in pass defense, conceding an average of 262.4 yards per game through the air. This has raised concerns about the need for an effective pass rush, particularly given the current depth at outside linebacker. The Ravens’ remaining options include Kyle Van Noy, Tavius Robinson, rookie second-round pick Mike Green, and David Ojabo.
In addition to the trade for Gilman, the Ravens have also signed safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to their practice squad. This move comes as the team grapples with injuries, including the absence of Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton, who was sidelined with a groin issue during a recent loss to the Houston Texans.
Gilman, 28, was a crucial player for the Chargers’ top-ranked defense last season. His ability to perform as a deep safety allowed standout Derwin James Jr. to excel in a nickel role, contributing to a significant turnaround for a Chargers defense that had previously struggled. Although Gilman’s performance has fluctuated this season, the Chargers prioritized the need for an edge rusher, leading to this trade.
The Ravens now look to bolster their defense with Gilman, who has the potential to enhance their secondary. With Hamilton expected to return, the team could utilize both Gilman and Gardner-Johnson in ways that allow Hamilton to play closer to the line of scrimmage, where he has previously excelled.
For the Chargers, acquiring Oweh provides them with a promising young edge rusher, particularly as veteran Khalil Mack recovers from an elbow injury that has placed him on injured reserve. Oweh’s pressure rate of 11%, which ranks him 33rd in the NFL, could significantly bolster the Chargers’ defensive efforts, especially as they seek to improve their pass rush.
As the Ravens navigate a disappointing start to the season with a record of 1-4, tied for the worst in the franchise’s history, this trade marks a pivotal moment for the organization. The Ravens are determined to make necessary adjustments to turn their season around and regain their competitive edge in the league.
