Ravens Open To Extending OLB Odafe Oweh; No Deal Imminent

The former first-rounder showed flashes during his first three Baltimore seasons. Seeing his playing time fluctuate over that span, Oweh totaled 13 sacks. 2024 resulted in a full-time starting role, though, and that increased workload yielded career highs in sacks (10), pressures (28), QB hits (23) and tackles for loss (nine).

That development could continue in 2025, a season in which Oweh is set to play on his fifth-year option. The 26-year-old is due $13.25MM, but a long-term pact – especially if he can deliver another strong campaign – will be worth much more on an annual basis. As they prepare for another season with Oweh operating as a starter, the Ravens also have Kyle Van Noy and David Ojabo set to enter 2025 as pending free agents.

Van Noy’s two most productive pass rushing seasons have come during his time in Baltimore (nine sacks in 2023, then 12.5 in 2024). The 34-year-old earned his first career Pro Bowl nod last season as a result of his success, and expectations will remain high for the coming season. Beyond that, however, it will be interesting to see if the team authorizes another contract. Ojabo, a second-round pick in 2022, has battled multiple major injuries in his brief career and has managed just four sacks to date. His roster spot is uncertain for the summer, but even if he makes the team he too is far from a lock to return in 2026.

Against that backdrop, Oweh’s contract situation represents an interesting one to monitor. Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic notes Baltimore “appears to be open” to working out an extension in this case (subscription required). He adds, however, that no signs have emerged this offseason indicating an agreement is close. Baltimore still has lucrative deals with the likes of safety Kyle Hamilton and center Tyler Linderbaum to attend to. A new pact aimed at lowering quarterback Lamar Jackson‘s future cap hits is also on the agenda.

Baltimore’s edge rush group also includes recent mid-round picks Tavius Robinson and Adisa Isaac as depth options. Mike Green – selected in the second round of this year’s draft after his stock fell in the wake of sexual assault allegations – represents a long-term option at the position and his college production certainly offers considerable upside. Still, the lack of NFL production from that trio will require Oweh to remain a key contributor on defense this year.

Like many other recent Penn State edge rushers, Oweh’s success to date has largely been based on his speed and athleticism. As Zrebiec notes, he has gained 20 pounds this spring in an effort to diversify his pass-rush skillset and improve against the run. Succeeding on that front will help his 2026 market value on a pact keeping him in Baltimore for years to come or one sending him elsewhere for the first time in his career.