The Los Angeles Chargers have acquired edge rusher Odafe Oweh from the Baltimore Ravens in a deal that adds much-needed depth to a depleted pass rush. As first reported by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the trade sends a 2026 fifth-round pick and safety Alohi Gilman to Baltimore in exchange for Oweh and a future seventh-round selection.
Gilman became more expendable with the play of fellow safeties Tony Jefferson and Elijah Molden.
Oweh, 26, was a first-round pick in 2021 (No. 31 overall) after a standout career at Penn State, where he earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2020. He’s currently in the fifth and final year of his rookie deal, worth roughly $13 million after the Ravens exercised his fifth-year option.
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The move reunites Oweh with Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, who coached against him frequently during his tenure at Michigan. General manager Joe Hortiz, formerly of the Ravens, also had a hand in drafting Oweh in Baltimore — a connection that made this deal a natural fit.
Oweh appeared in five games this season before the trade, recording 10 tackles but no sacks. However, he’s just one year removed from a breakout 2024 campaign in which he posted 10 sacks across 17 games, showcasing elite burst and athleticism off the edge.
For the Chargers, the addition comes at a crucial time. Khalil Mack remains on injured reserve, Joey Bosa signed with the Buffalo Bills in free agency, and Bud Dupree has struggled to generate consistent pressure.
Tuipulotu’s Breakout Eases Pressure
The silver lining for Los Angeles has been the emergence of Tuli Tuipulotu, who delivered a career performance in the Week 4 loss to the New York Giants — racking up four sacks, 10 tackles, and five quarterback hits.
“I was trying to do my best,” Tuipulotu told Chargers.com’s Eric Smith. “I missed a couple, I’m disappointed on the ones I missed because it could have helped the team out more.”
Tuipulotu’s breakout, combined with Oweh’s arrival, gives defensive coordinator Jesse Minter two explosive, young edge rushers to pair with veteran leadership from Dupree.
With their pass rush reenergized and Mack expected to return later this season, the Chargers have quietly transformed one of their weakest spots into a potential defensive strength heading into Week 6.
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