The Baltimore Ravens have traded edge rusher Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers for safety Alohi Gilman and a draft pick swap, a move aimed at addressing defensive weaknesses for both NFL teams.
The Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers completed a significant trade on Tuesday, with the Ravens sending outside linebacker Odafe Oweh and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick to the Chargers in exchange for safety Alohi Gilman and a 2026 fifth-round selection. This transaction, first reported by ESPN and other outlets, represents a strategic shift for both franchises as they navigate the 2025 NFL season. The Ravens, struggling with a 1-4 record, are shaking up a defense that has allowed a league-worst 35.4 points per game, while the Chargers seek to bolster their pass rush.
Odafe Oweh, the 31st overall pick in the 2021 draft, has seen a dramatic drop in production this year after recording a career-high 10 sacks in 2024. Through the first five games, he has failed to register a sack and his playing time has decreased to just 45% of defensive snaps, the lowest of his career. By trading Oweh, who is in the final year of his contract, the Ravens free up approximately $8 million in salary cap space, providing financial flexibility for future moves.
In return, the Ravens acquire Alohi Gilman, a 28-year-old safety who was instrumental in the Chargers’ top-ranked defense last season. Gilman thrived as a deep safety, allowing star defender Derwin James to excel in the nickel role. His addition addresses Baltimore’s depth issues at safety, particularly with Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton sidelined by a groin injury. The Ravens further reinforced the position by signing veteran C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the practice squad on the same day.
For the Chargers, Oweh offers a potential solution to their pass rush woes. With veteran edge rusher Khalil Mack on injured reserve due to an elbow injury, the team has lacked consistent pressure. Oweh’s pressure rate of 11% ranks 33rd in the NFL, which would be second-highest on the Chargers behind Tuli Tuipulotu. Although Oweh has been inconsistent, his youth and athleticism provide upside for a defense in need of playmakers.
The trade also includes a swap of late-round draft picks, reflecting the balanced value both teams see in the exchange. The Ravens receive a higher-round pick in 2026, while the Chargers get a later pick in 2027, aligning with their respective roster strategies. This deal underscores the Ravens’ urgency to revitalize their defense and the Chargers’ focus on accumulating talent under head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Baltimore’s decision to trade Oweh comes amid one of the worst starts in franchise history, matching the 1-4 record from 1996. The defense has ranked 31st in pass defense, yielding 262.4 yards per game, and the lack of experienced safeties has been a critical weakness. Gilman’s arrival, along with Gardner-Johnson, could allow Hamilton to play closer to the line of scrimmage upon his return, leveraging his versatility.
Looking forward, the success of this trade will hinge on how quickly Gilman integrates into the Ravens’ secondary and whether Oweh can rediscover his form with the Chargers. Both players are in contract years, adding motivation for strong performances. As the NFL trade deadline approaches, this move may signal further adjustments for both teams as they pursue their postseason aspirations.
