Ravens Trade Oweh to Chargers, Acquire Gilman and Future Picks
The Baltimore Ravens have made a significant change to their roster, trading pass rusher Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers. In exchange for Oweh and a 2027 seventh-round pick, the Ravens acquired safety Alohi Gilman and a fifth-round pick in 2026. The deal was confirmed by sources close to the situation on October 10, 2023.
Oweh, 26, has struggled this season, failing to record a sack in his first five games after achieving a career-high of 10 sacks last year. This decline in performance has resulted in a notable reduction in his playing time, with Oweh participating in only 45% of the Ravens’ defensive snaps. By trading him, the Ravens free up approximately $8 million in salary cap space, as Oweh is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the current season.
Ravens’ Head Coach John Harbaugh now faces the challenge of reinforcing the team’s pass rush. With Oweh gone, the remaining outside linebackers include Kyle Van Noy, Tavius Robinson, rookie second-round pick Mike Green, and David Ojabo. This trade comes on the heels of Baltimore’s troubling defensive statistics, as the team currently ranks last in the NFL, allowing an average of 35.4 points per game, and sits at 31st in pass defense, giving up 262.4 yards through the air.
In a bid to strengthen their defensive line, the Ravens also added Gilman and C.J. Gardner-Johnson on the same day. Gardner-Johnson, a free agent, will join the practice squad. The team’s defensive struggles have been exacerbated by injuries, particularly the absence of Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton, who missed the recent game against the Houston Texans due to a groin injury. In that game, the Ravens started undrafted rookie Reuben Lowery, contributing to a disheartening 44-10 loss.
Gilman, 28, was previously a standout for the Chargers, contributing significantly to their top-ranked defense last season. His ability to play as a deep safety allowed star player Derwin James Jr. to excel in a nickel role, where he earned a second-team All-Pro selection. While Gilman’s performance this season has been inconsistent, the Chargers prioritized acquiring an edge rusher over maintaining their safety depth, leading to this trade.
With Gilman now on the Ravens’ roster, he and Gardner-Johnson could play pivotal roles even when Hamilton returns. This strategic shift could allow Hamilton to operate closer to the line of scrimmage, where he has had success in the past.
Statistically, Oweh ranks 33rd in the NFL for pressure rate at 11%, a figure that would rank as the second highest on the Chargers, significantly improving their pass rush capabilities. The Chargers have been in need of depth at the edge rusher position, especially with veteran Khalil Mack currently on injured reserve with an elbow injury sustained in Week 2.
The Ravens, with a current record of 1-4, have tied for the worst start in the franchise’s history. As they navigate this challenging season, the implications of this trade could shape the team’s trajectory in the coming weeks.
