Jamison Hensley
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens are shaking up their struggling protection by buying and selling slumping go rusher Odafe Oweh and a 2027 seventh-round decide to the Los Angeles Chargers on Tuesday in trade for security Alohi Gilman and a fifth-round decide in 2026, the groups introduced.
Oweh, 26, has gone from recording a career-high 10 sacks final season to not producing a sack in his first 5 video games this season. The thirty first general decide within the 2021 draft, Oweh has watched his taking part in time drop to a career-low 45% of the Ravens' defensive snaps this season.
The Ravens release round $8 million in cap house by parting methods with Oweh, who can be an unrestricted free agent after the season. Baltimore now would possibly have to make a transfer to bolster its go rush, contemplating its prime remaining outdoors linebackers are Kyle Van Noy, Tavius Robinson, rookie second-round decide Mike Inexperienced and David Ojabo.
Baltimore added two safeties on Tuesday in Gilman and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a free agent who was signed to the follow squad. The Ravens, who've allowed probably the most factors within the NFL at 35.4 per recreation, additionally rank thirty first in go protection, giving up a median of 262.4 yards via the air.
The dearth of skilled depth at security has been a problem for a Ravens protection that has struggled mightily.
When Professional Bowl security Kyle Hamilton was sidelined Sunday with a groin harm, Baltimore began undrafted rookie Reuben Lowery in a 44-10 loss to the Houston Texans.
Gilman, 28, was one of the vital important components of the Chargers' top-ranked protection final season. He thrived as a deep security with Elijah Molden, permitting Derwin James Jr. to maneuver primarily to nickel, the place James was a second-team All-Professional and rejuvenated a Chargers protection that had been one of many league's worst a season prior.
Gilman's play had fluctuated between unhealthy and good this season, however in the end, the Chargers' want for an edge rusher is greater than the necessity at security. Coach Jim Harbaugh often lauds veteran Tony Jefferson, who will probably substitute Gilman because the beginning deep security.
Gilman and Gardner-Johnson might additionally assist the Ravens even when Hamilton returns. By taking part in one in all them deep with Malaki Starks, Hamilton can play nearer to the road of scrimmage, the place he has made an influence up to now.
Based on TruMedia, Oweh is thirty third within the NFL in stress charge (11%), which might rank because the second highest on the Chargers by a large margin behind Tuli Tuipulotu, who's twelfth within the NFL (13.6).
The subsequent-highest stress charge for an outdoor linebacker on the Chargers is Caleb Murphy, who ranks 131st.
Oweh will give the Chargers a younger, promising edge rusher within the closing 12 months of his contract who might blossom into an influence participant. At worst, Oweh is a greater placeholder for what L.A. has now, as veteran Khalil Mack nurses an elbow harm 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 vital disappointing groups within the league. The Ravens (1-4) tied the worst begin within the franchise's 30-year historical past.
ESPN's Kris Rhim contributed to this report.
