This trade comes as both teams look to address pressing needs on their rosters. The Ravens, struggling with a 1-4 start and a league-high 177 points allowed (35.4 per game), sought help for a banged-up secondary, while the Chargers prioritized adding edge rush depth for both the present and future. The swap is notable for its front office connections: Chargers General Manager Joe Hortiz and Director of Player Personnel Strategy Corey Krawiec both worked in Baltimore when Oweh was drafted, and the Harbaugh brothers—John (Ravens) and Jim (Chargers)—helped facilitate the move.
Oweh, a 2021 first-round pick out of Penn State, had shown promise for the Ravens, especially after recording a career-high 10 sacks in the 2024 season—second-most on the team. However, he struggled to make an impact early in 2025, with no sacks and only 10 tackles in his first five games, seeing his snap share fall to 45%. Despite Baltimore picking up his fifth-year option, Oweh became expendable as the team looked to reset its defensive identity and manage salary cap constraints, saving $8 million with this trade.
For the Los Angeles Chargers, Oweh brings a much-needed injection of talent and experience to a pass rush that had underperformed outside of stars Khalil Mack and rising talent Tuli Tuipulotu. Oweh’s Pro Football Focus pass-rush grade of 72.3 so far in 2025 ranks 30th among edge rushers with at least 75 attempts, a number that exceeds Tuipulotu’s grade, suggesting he could provide an immediate boost. The Chargers have had just 0.5 sacks and one quarterback hit from their non-Mack/Tuipulotu edge group in 12 combined games, highlighting the need for Oweh’s upside. With Mack and Oweh both due for free agency in 2026, this trade could be a forward-thinking move by GM Joe Hortiz to secure a long-term cornerstone if Oweh delivers as expected.
Meanwhile, the Ravens bolster their depleted safety group with Alohi Gilman, a respected locker room leader who started all five games for the Chargers this season, recording 22 tackles and three passes defensed. Gilman, a 2020 sixth-rounder out of Notre Dame, has posted five interceptions and 252 tackles over six NFL seasons and is recognized for his consistent tackling. He joins a secondary that has struggled with injuries to key players like Kyle Hamilton and Ar’Darius Washington.
Historically, Odafe Oweh has appeared in 67 career NFL games, tallying 23.0 sacks and 103 tackles to date. At 6’5″ and 265 pounds, the 26-year-old edge rusher (born December 15, 1998 in Hackensack, NJ) was initially drafted by Baltimore with the 31st overall pick in 2021. His athletic profile and production in 2024 made him one of the more intriguing young pass rushers in the league, though consistency has been an area for development.
The trade is emblematic of both teams’ willingness to adapt and look ahead. For Baltimore, the move clears cap space and provides a proven safety to stabilize the secondary. For Los Angeles, it’s a calculated bet on Oweh’s upside and a chance to solidify a pass rush that could be critical in a competitive AFC. With both Oweh and Gilman set to become free agents in 2026, their performances over the remainder of the season will likely determine the long-term impact of this transaction.
For more details, see Best Photos of OLB Odafe Oweh and Odafe Oweh Stats at Pro Football Reference.