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jameson hensley
Owings Mills, MD. , Baltimore Ravens Shaking up your struggling defense by trading slumping pass rushers Odfe Oweh and a 2027 seventh-round pick los angeles chargers in exchange for security on Tuesday alohi gilman and a fifth-round pick in 2026, the teams announced.
Oweh, 26, has gone from recording a career-high 10 sacks last season to not producing a sack in his first five games this season. The 31st overall pick in the 2021 draft, Oweh has seen his playing time account for a career-low 45% of the Ravens’ defensive snaps.
The Ravens are off about $8 million in cap space by parting ways with Oweh, who will be an unrestricted free agent after the season. Baltimore may now need to make a move to bolster its pass rush, considering its top remaining linebackers kyle van noy, tavious robinsonrookie second-round pick mike green And David Ojabo,
Baltimore added two safeties on Tuesday in Gilman and CJ Gardner-JohnsonA free agent who was signed to the practice squad. The Ravens, who have allowed the most points per game in the NFL at 35.4, also ranked 31st in pass defense, allowing an average of 262.4 yards through the air.
The lack of veteran depth at safety has been an issue for a Ravens defense that has struggled mightily.
When Pro Bowl Safety kyle hamilton The undrafted rookie was sidelined Sunday with a groin injury. reuben lovi in a 44–10 loss houston texas,
Gilman, 28, was one of the most important elements of the Chargers’ top-ranked defense last season. He thrived as a deep safety eliza moldenPermission derwin james jrPrimarily to move to nickel, where James was a second-team All-Pro and rejuvenated a Chargers defense that was having one of the league’s worst seasons.
Gilman’s play has fluctuated between good and bad this season, but ultimately, the Chargers’ need for an edge rusher is greater than their need for a safety. Coach Jim Harbaugh regularly praises the veteran Tony JeffersonThat would likely replace Gilman as the starting deep safety.
Gilman and Gardner-Johnson could also help the Ravens if Hamilton returns. playing with one of them malki starksHamilton can play closer to the line of scrimmage, where he has made an impact in the past.
According to Trumedia, Oweh ranks 33rd in the NFL in pressure rate (11%), which would rank as second-highest on the Chargers. tuli tuipulotuWhich is 12th in the NFL (13.6).
The Chargers have the next highest pressure rate for an outside linebacker. caleb murphyWhich is ranked 131st.
Oweh would give the Chargers a young, promising edge rusher in the final year of his contract who could blossom into an impact player. At worst, Oweh is a better placeholder than L.A. has, now as a veteran. khalil mack Nurse suffered an elbow injury he suffered in Week 2 that landed him on injured reserve. Mack is eligible to return in Week 7.
Baltimore has been one of the most disappointing teams in the league. The Ravens (1-4) got off to their worst start in the 30-year history of the franchise.
ESPN’s Chris Rimm contributed to this report.
