Breaking News: Ravens Trade Odafe Oweh to Chargers for Safety Alohi Gilman – What This Means for Both Teams

The Baltimore Ravens have made a significant move by trading edge rusher Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers. In return, they receive safety Alohi Gilman and a fifth-round pick in 2026. Meanwhile, the Chargers will also get a seventh-round pick in 2027, previously owned by the Rams.

Ravens’ Defensive Struggles

Oweh, a 2021 first-round draft pick, had high hopes after a breakout season where he achieved 10 sacks. However, this year has not been kind to him. With zero sacks in five games, his playing time has dropped significantly, leading to questions about his future with the team. The Ravens opted for Oweh’s 2025 contract option, but ongoing struggles and a lack of contract talks hinted that he would not be returning next season. By trading him now, the Ravens gain almost $8 million in cap space while also avoiding losing him for nothing later.

Despite the trade, the Ravens are in a tough spot on defense. They are currently tied for second to last in the league with only six sacks. Their current edge rushers—like Kyle Van Noy and David Ojabo—have combined for just three sacks this season.

Chargers Looking to Fill Gaps

For the Chargers, bringing in Oweh addresses a specific need, but their main concern remains the offensive line, which has been battered by injuries. Star edge rusher Khalil Mack has been on IR, and while Tuli Tuipulotu has stepped up, the depth is lacking as other players like Bud Dupree and rookie Kyle Kennard have struggled to fill the void.

Gilman’s Role in Baltimore

Gilman’s arrival, alongside C.J. Gardner-Johnson, adds depth to a Ravens secondary that is currently missing key players like Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton. If Hamilton returns soon, the Ravens can adjust their defensive setup to help improve their pass rush and run defense.

Potential Impact for Oweh

Oweh comes with potential. Not only does he have experience, but he also has a knack for fitting seamlessly into the Chargers’ defensive scheme, which is similar to what he played under in Baltimore. Oweh’s energy and skill set could provide the Chargers with a much-needed boost, especially as they work through their own injury woes.

In the end, both teams are taking calculated risks to bolster their rosters. The Ravens are looking to gel a struggling defense, while the Chargers aim to fix their depth issues and improve their edge rushing, making the trade a fascinating move in the league’s ongoing drama.

For more insights on team strategies and player impacts, you might check sources like ESPN or NFL Network for expanded coverage.

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Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, NFL