The Chicago Bears are not hiding their intentions this offseason. They will do whatever it takes to find talent to add in the trenches, whether it’s via trade or through free agency. Despite signing Colts’ pass rusher Dayo Odeyingbo to a three-year, $48 million deal, the Bears are still searching for another talented pass rusher. Most people would assume they could just wait until the draft to acquire one, but then again, the Bears did trade for two starting guards before the start of free agency. Pro Football Focus (PFF) highlighted Ravens’ edge rusher Odafe Oweh as the team’s top trade asset, and the Bears could pursue a trade for the former first-round pick.
Bears Could Pursue a Trade for Odafe Oweh
According to PFF, the Ravens have several key players entering contract years, including veteran names like Derrick Henry, Mark Andrews, and Kyle Van Noy. However, Oweh stands out as a possible trade piece:
“The former first-round pick 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.”
Oweh is coming off a strong 2024 season, tallying ten sacks, 39 tackles, and a forced fumble. If Baltimore isn’t planning to extend him, trading him now would prevent losing him for less down the road.
Why the Bears Should Be Interested
The Bears have brought in pass rushers in different ways. Out of the main three, Montez Sweat came over via trade, Dayo Odeyingbo via free agency, and Austin Booker via the NFL Draft. So to say trading for Odafe Oweh is out of the picture, think again.
The Ravens are one of the few teams left in the NFL running a 3-4 defense. Despite Oweh playing as an outside linebacker, he has the physical makeup (6’5″ and 255 pounds) to transition to defensive end. He’s ranked 31st out of 211 qualified edge rushers in pass rush grade (73.0), with a 66.7 run defense (62nd/211) and 71.2 overall grade (46th/211).
Oweh is a speedy pass rusher who is great in the run game and has learned to use his patience and explosiveness to his advantage. Since being drafted, he’s expanded his arsenal of pass rush moves, including a nice double swipe, cross chop, and spin move. Oweh has come a long way, and Ravens’ fans would certainly be angry if they saw he was traded.
Odafe Oweh shows off IQ, patience and explosiveness on this stunt.
The Ravens are using him as a spy/delayed rusher who closes on QBs like a banshee.
Wink must be having FUNNNN with this dude playing OLB. pic.twitter.com/RrqHwtBdlc
— Spencer Schultz (@ravens4dummies) October 5, 2021
What Would It Cost?
Baltimore is unlikely to part with Odafe Oweh for anything less than a Day Two draft pick. If the Bears can secure him for a third-round selection, it would be a win-win scenario—Chicago lands a young, ascending pass rusher, while the Ravens gain additional draft capital without committing to a hefty extension. Given the Bears’ aggressive approach this offseason, don’t be surprised if they make a move for Oweh.
Main Image: Tommy Gilligan – USA Today Sports
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