News Summary
In a strategic move to improve their struggling defense, the Baltimore Ravens have traded outside linebacker Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers for safety Alohi Gilman. This decision comes after a disappointing start to the season, where the Ravens allowed a league-high 177 points. The trade also involves a swap of draft picks, as Baltimore sends a 2027 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick. The Ravens hope to bolster their defense while freeing up salary cap space amid injury concerns.
Baltimore – The Baltimore Ravens have traded outside linebacker Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for safety Alohi Gilman. The trade is pending the passing of physicals. Along with Oweh, the Ravens also sent a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Chargers and received a 2026 fifth-round pick in return.
This trade comes amidst the Ravens’ disappointing 1-4 start to the season, during which they have allowed a league-high 177 points, averaging 35.4 points per game. The move reflects the team’s desperate need to address their struggling defense, which has only recorded six sacks in five games this season.
Oweh, who was a first-round pick (31st overall) in the 2021 NFL Draft, showed promise during his previous season, recording a career-high 10 sacks, which was the second-most on the team. However, his performance this season has been lackluster. In the first five games, Oweh did not record any sacks and registered only 10 tackles, with his playing time significantly reduced. He participated in just 45% of the defensive snaps, while fellow outside linebacker Tavius Robinson played 70% of the snaps.
The Ravens currently have other outside linebackers who will remain on the roster after this trade, including Robinson, Kyle Van Noy, rookie Mike Green, and David Ojabo. Adisa Isaac, a second-year linebacker, is on injured reserve due to a dislocated elbow but is expected to return during the season.
In addition to Oweh, the Ravens are dealing with injuries in their secondary. Safety Kyle Hamilton is currently recovering from a groin injury, further complicating the team’s defensive strategy. On the flip side, Gilman, aged 28, has spent his entire six-year career with the Chargers and started all five games this season. He has recorded 22 tackles and three passes defended this season, showcasing his tackling ability and defensive skills.
Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 200 pounds, Gilman has accumulated five interceptions over his career, and his acquisition could strengthen the Ravens’ secondary. The Ravens also signed safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to their practice squad recently, indicating a focused effort to bolster their defensive backs.
This trade could potentially save the Ravens around $8 million on their salary cap, as they had previously picked up Oweh’s fifth-year option, which carries a salary cap hit of $13.25 million. Oweh is on track to become a free agent after the current season, unless the Chargers offer him a contract extension.
The Ravens-Chargers trade relationship has been further strengthened by connections such as Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh and Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, along with General Manager Eric DeCosta and Chargers GM Joe Hortiz, facilitating smoother negotiations. The primary aim of the Ravens’ recent moves is to revamp their defensive lineup in light of their early-season performance and injury challenges.
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Additional Resources
- CBS Sports
- USA Today
- Baltimore Ravens
- Wikipedia: 2025_NFL_season
- Baltimore Sun
- Google Search: Odafe Oweh trade
- Sports Illustrated
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NFL
- Ebony Bird
- Google News: Baltimore Ravens
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