After a terrible start to the 2025 NFL season, the Baltimore Ravens have made significant changes to their defense in hopes of getting their performances back on track. The biggest move so far came when the Ravens traded their 2021 first-round pick Odafe Oweh and a future seventh-round pick to the Los Angeles Chargers for Safety Alohi Gilman and a future fifth-round pick. The Ravens also added veteran defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the practice squad. These moves demonstrate the team’s intention to revive their season and inject energy into a unit that has failed to meet expectations so far. Still, fans will be wondering if these new arrivals are enough or if more drastic measures need to be taken.
Baltimore Ravens’ New Arrivals Could Be the Answer to Terrible Start
Trade Details
Another trade, per sources:
Ravens receive:
Safety Alohi Gilman and a 2026 fifth-round pick.
Edge Odafe Oweh and Rams 7th in 2027.— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 7, 2025
Alohi Gilman
A sixth-round pick in 2020, Alohi Gilman had to earn a starting role, which he did in 2023. Over the last two seasons, Gilman has put up respectable stats with three interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. The 28-year-old has a PFF rating of 65.5 so far this season. According to reports, Gilman is a locker room leader, a consistent player on the field, and a fan favourite.
The Ravens are hoping the arrival of Gilman will strengthen a defense that has given up the most points in the league, with 177 points (35.4 per game).
Odafe Oweh
After recording 13 sacks throughout his first three years at the Ravens, Oweh had a breakout year in 2024, recording ten sacks. However, after a poor start to the 2025 campaign, the Ravens have officially moved on and will be hoping rookie outside linebacker Mike Green, among others, can step up in his absence. How the team adjusts on the edge will be crucial in turning around a defense that has struggled massively early in the season.
Arrival of C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Gardner-Johnson adds much-needed experience to the Ravens’ safety position. Due to Kyle Hamilton’s groin injury and Ar’darius Washington tearing his Achilles tendon before the season kicked off, undrafted rookie Reuben Lowery started the game against the Houston Texans, alongside fellow rookie Malaki Starks, which ended in a 44-10 loss.
Gardner-Johnson played a significant role in winning the Philadelphia Eagles the Super Bowl last year, as he recorded six interceptions and one touchdown in 16 starts. If he can bring this form to the Ravens, he could immediately strengthen the secondary and provide the playmaking ability the team has been lacking so far in the season.
What’s Next
While fans will be encouraged that the Ravens are showing intent to get the season back on track with the new arrivals, they will also want both the offensive and defensive lines addressed next. The Ravens are giving up far too much pressure on the quarterback, while struggling to generate it on the other side of the ball. If this trend continues, the Ravens will likely make more roster moves in the near future.
Main Image: Vincent Carchietta – Imagn Images
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