Ravens Shake Up Their Defense: Oweh to the Chargers, Gilman to Baltimore
The Baltimore Ravens are remodeling their defense in search of solutions after a complicated start to the season. In a strategic move, they have agreed to a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers, sending pass rusher Odafe Oweh, along with a seventh-round pick in 2027, in exchange for safety Alohi Gilman and a fifth-round pick in 2026. The official announcement was made on Tuesday.
Oweh, who had a standout season last year with 10 sacks, hasn’t achieved any this season. His playing time has decreased to a career low of 45% of the Ravens’ defensive snaps.
With this transaction, the Ravens free up approximately $8 million in cap space. Now, the team might need to bolster their pass rush, considering the options available at the outside linebacker position.
In addition to Gilman, the Ravens added C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a free agent who was signed to the practice squad. This move comes at a time when the Ravens’ defense has shown weaknesses, allowing the most points in the NFL, with an average of 35.4 per game, and ranking 31st in pass defense, with an average of 262.4 passing yards allowed.
The lack of depth and experience at the safety position has been a problem for the Ravens.
Gilman, 28, was key on the Chargers’ defense last season. His performance allowed Derwin James Jr. to play in the nickel position, where James was an All-Pro.
Gilman’s performance has fluctuated this season, but the Chargers prioritized the need for a pass rusher. Tony Jefferson is likely to replace Gilman as the starting safety.
Gilman and Gardner-Johnson could be valuable for the Ravens, even with the return of Kyle Hamilton. This would allow Hamilton to play closer to the line of scrimmage.
Oweh ranks 33rd in the NFL in pressure rate (11%), which would place him as the second best on the Chargers.
Oweh will provide the Chargers with a young and promising pass rusher in his final year of contract.
Baltimore has had a disappointing start to the season, tying its worst start in 30 years.
