Fans of the Baltimore Ravens got their pound of flesh for their early-season defensive struggles in a deal the team hopes will rehabilitate their struggling secondary.
The Ravens acquired safety Alohi Gilman from the Los Angeles Chargers, parting with longtime EDGE rusher Odafe Oweh in what they hope will be a season-altering deal.
Oweh was a first-round pick (No. 31) of the Ravens in the 2021 NFL Draft, played 67 games in a Ravens uniform and is just one season removed from a season-high 10 sacks. He has a respectable 70.3 overall grade from Pro-Football Focus — despite his one tackle for loss through five games before the trade.
In part due to Oweh’s struggles, the Ravens are tied for 30th in the NFL in sacks (6) and of course giving up the second-most yards per game (408.8) and the most points-against per game (35.4).
Ravens Hope Alohi Gilman Can Positively Affect Struggling Secondary
As a sixth-round pick, Gilman has far less pedigree than Oweh but has still been effective as the pass defender opposite All-Pro strong safety Derwin James. Gilman has a 65.5 overall grade from PFF, with 22 tackles and three passes defended.
In 73 games and 39 starts over six seasons, Gilman has five interceptions, 21 passes defended, one sack and three tackles for loss for the Chargers.
“[Oweh] was set to become a free agent after the season and was overpaid for his current production,” Tim Schwartz of the Baltimore Sun wrote. “So turning that into a serviceable piece to help in the defensive backfield, another area in which Baltimore has struggled this year, seems like a good move.”
Gilman expects to play opposite rookie Malaki Starks, and as insurance for All-Pro Kyle Hamilton, who missed the Ravens’ 40-6 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday with a groin injury.
“He’s a solid veteran safety option, especially for a Baltimore team with a banged-up secondary,” USA Today’s Tyler Dragon wrote of Gilman. “Gilman will likely serve as a depth option once Baltimore’s secondary gets healthy. He’s in the final year of his contract, so he has extra incentive to perform well in Charm City.”
Hamilton returned to practice Wednesday, but even if he is ready to return to take on the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, the Ravens could use all the help at defending the pass. Baltimore ranks 31st — only the Dallas Cowboys are worse — at defending the pass (262.6) and has just one interception this year.
The Ravens Completely Overhauled Their Secondary This Week
Aside from adding Gilman via trade, the Ravens also signed controversial yet Super Bowl-winning safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson on Tuesday. He was also at practice, alongside Hamilton and Gilman, preparing for the team’s final week before its Week 7 bye.
All three safeties could have an impact against the Rams, who boast two elite wideouts in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, plus a veteran quarterback who can exploit even stingy defenses in Matthew Stafford.
Yet, the Ravens are also unlikely to have cornerback Marlon Humphrey (calf) for the second straight week. So all defensive-backfield alterations will be required for Baltimore to snap its three-game losing streak.
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