Former Ravens player opened up after the Ravens traded him to the Los Angeles Chargers. Once a key part of John Harbaugh’s defense and now not even with the franchise. The trade is a vital turning point for both of them.

The Ravens traded him and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Chargers this Tuesday. It ended Oweh’s four year journey with the Ravens.

While talking to the media, he said, “I have a little animosity on my back, but I know this is a good opportunity for me to show who I can be and what was not really able to be shown with the Ravens. I’m happy.”

In return, Baltimore acquired safety Alohi Gilman and a 2026 fifth-round pick. Along with Elijah Molden, he played a vital role in the Chargers’ defense. His range helped Derwin James Jr. to shift into a nickel role. This not only helps the Ravens secondary but also frees up approx $8 million in cap space.

The 2025 season hasn’t been good for Oweh. He hasn’t recorded a sack yet in first five games. His role decreased to a career-low 45% of defensive snap this season, till now. However, last season he recovered his career-high 10 sacks, which shows he has potential.

Moreover, the Ravens didn’t stop here. Apart from Gilman, they also added veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. They added him to practice squad so they can have some stability in defense, if needed. As of now, Baltimore ranks last in the NFL in points allowed, 35.4 per game and 31st in pass defense, with an average of 262.4 yards through air.

Injuries forced them to make such moves. Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton missed Sunday’s game with a groin injury, which forced the Ravens to start Reuben Lowery, and it resulted in a humiliating defeat, 44-10.

Jim Harbaugh sees Mack in Oweh

When the trade came up, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh was lavish in his praise for his new player, going as far as to compare Oweh to one of the league’s highest-regarded pass rushers.

“To me, he’s a lot like Khalil Mack,” Harbaugh said. “Direct rusher, has speed, has dip, has ability to set the edge. Been a very good, productive player — a young player right in the prime of his career. Those things and others.”

Mack is out with an elbow injury, which he suffered during the Chargers’ matchup against the Raiders. He’s expected to return until Week 7.

Oweh, who joins a deep pass-rushing group featuring Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Bud Dupree, said he’s thrilled to contribute to a unit already known for its aggression and creativity. “Khalil was cool,” Oweh said with a smile, referencing his early conversations with the veteran. “I’m just excited to learn from him and compete alongside these guys.”

Assuming health, Oweh has gotten into the books no fewer than three times already this season. Advanced statistics, however, suggest there are still many positives to come. TruMedia has him 33rd in the NFL in pressure rate at 11%, a number that would be second among all Chargers defenders to Tuipulotu (13.6%). As a staff looking to keep up with the increasingly talented AFC West, the addition of an electrifying, athletic pass rusher in Oweh could be just the thing it needs.

For the Ravens, the trade is a defense do-over after a horrific start to the season. For Oweh, it’s personal — a chance to show John Harbaugh and the rest of the NFL what they might have passed up too soon.