Ravens Trade Oweh for Chargers’ Gilman in Harbaugh Swap

The Baltimore Ravens made a significant defensive move on Tuesday, trading struggling edge rusher Odafe Oweh and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Los Angeles Chargers for safety Alohi Gilman and a 2026 fifth-round pick. The deal, announced by both teams, marks a rare trade between the Harbaugh brothers — John in Baltimore and Jim in Los Angeles.

The Ravens, sitting at 1–4, have endured one of their worst starts in franchise history, prompting the front office to reshape a defense that ranks near the bottom of the league. Baltimore has allowed 35.4 points per game, the most in the NFL, and sits 31st in pass defense, giving up an average of 262.4 yards per game.

Ravens Move On from Slumping Pass Rusher

Oweh, 26, has struggled mightily in 2025 after recording a career-high 10 sacks last season. The 2021 first-round pick has yet to register a sack through five games and has seen his snap count fall to a career-low 45%. His departure frees up approximately $8 million in cap space for Baltimore.

With Oweh gone, the Ravens’ pass-rushing group now consists of Kyle Van Noy, Tavius Robinson, David Ojabo, and rookie Mike Green. The team could pursue additional help via trade or free agency as it looks to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Chargers Fill Urgent Need at Edge Rusher

The Chargers, meanwhile, were in need of pass-rush help after losing Khalil Mack to an elbow injury that landed him on injured reserve in Week 2. Oweh gives Los Angeles a young, athletic rusher who ranks 33rd in the NFL in pressure rate (11%), per TruMedia — a mark that would trail only Tuli Tuipulotu (13.6%) on the Chargers’ roster.

Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz, who worked in Baltimore’s front office when Oweh was drafted, is familiar with the former Penn State standout. Oweh is playing on his fifth-year option worth $13.25 million, and he’ll be a free agent after the season unless extended.

Alohi Gilman Bolsters Baltimore’s Secondary

In return, the Ravens receive Alohi Gilman, a versatile safety who started full-time for the Chargers last season and played a key role in their top-ranked defense. Gilman’s ability to play deep coverage allowed Derwin James Jr. to shift into the nickel role, where he thrived as a second-team All-Pro.

Baltimore’s secondary depth has been an issue, especially after Kyle Hamilton missed Sunday’s 44–10 loss to the Houston Texans with a groin injury. The team was forced to start undrafted rookie Reuben Lowery. Gilman and newly signed C.J. Gardner-Johnson (practice squad) should stabilize the position and give Hamilton the flexibility to play closer to the line of scrimmage.

Gilman, 28, has 22 tackles and three passes defensed through five games this season. In his career, he’s logged five interceptions and 21 pass breakups across 73 games.

Ravens’ Defense Still Searching for Identity

Baltimore’s defense — once the cornerstone of the franchise — has faltered early in 2025, ranking among the league’s worst in both sacks and points allowed. The trade for Gilman and the signing of Gardner-Johnson indicate a shift toward bolstering the secondary while hoping to develop younger edge talent.

Meanwhile, for the Chargers, the move provides much-needed depth and explosiveness off the edge as they await Mack’s return in Week 7. Oweh’s athletic upside could prove valuable in Jim Harbaugh’s physical, pressure-oriented defensive scheme.

Both Harbaugh brothers addressed critical roster weaknesses, and the trade may benefit each team — if Oweh regains his form and Gilman solidifies a struggling Baltimore secondary.