The Baltimore Ravens have quietly put together a very solid offseason. Lamar Jackson is locked in. Ronnie Stanley re-signed to anchor the left side of the line. DeAndre Hopkins is in the building on a team-friendly deal. They brought back fullback Patrick Ricard, added a solid backup in Cooper Rush, and still have 11 draft picks to play with.
Most of the heavy lifting is done. The offensive core is back. Even after losing Brandon Stephens and Marcus Williams, the defense still has talent across the board.
But if there’s one spot that still feels unsettled, it’s the edge rush. Kyle Van Noy turned back the clock last year. Odafe Oweh hit double-digit sacks for the first time. And yet, the Ravens managed just one sack in their season-ending loss to the Buffalo Bills. That can’t happen again — not if they want to get over the AFC hump. Which brings us to the unexpected name popping up as a potential trade piece.
Odafe Oweh is Baltimore’s most valuable trade asset
According to Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker, Oweh isn’t just a key piece of the defense — he’s also the Ravens’ biggest trade chip. Here’s what Locker had to say:
“The former first-round pick [Oweh] has notched 109 pressures over the past two seasons on a 77.9 PFF pass-rushing grade, which ranks 21st among qualified edge defenders. While Oweh has been above average as both a pass rusher and a run defender, his play might not warrant a lucrative extension. The Ravens could face a crossroads with the 26-year-old heading into the draft.”
At first glance, naming Oweh the team’s top trade asset feels a little out there. But if you step back and look at the situation, it’s not that crazy.
Oweh finally had a double-digit sack season (10) in a rotational role, but the consistency still isn’t there. He’s entering Year 5 and set to make $13.25 million under his fifth-year option. That’s not the most expensive, but it’s not exactly cheap either. If he’s looking for long-term security — which could be what his cryptic social posts were about — Baltimore might not be the team to give it to him.
If they like one of the pass rushers in this year’s draft, or if a team comes calling with a can’t pass-up offer, Oweh might end up being expendable. They could trade him, plug in a rookie, and sign a familiar vet like Za’Darius Smith or Matt Judon after the draft.
It makes sense that Oweh is the Ravens’ best trade asset. He’s a 26-year-old former first-round pick coming off a double-digit sack season. That’s going to catch someone’s attention.
Oweh’s not a bust by any means. But he’s not a lock to be part of the long-term plan either. If the value’s right, don’t be surprised if Baltimore makes a move.
