David Ojabo entered the NFL with high expectations despite the Achilles tear he suffered shortly before being drafted. The Ravens edge rusher has not developed as hoped, however, and his ability to retain a roster spot this summer will be worth watching. 
During Michigan’s Pro Day, Ojabo suffered his torn Achilles. That injury hurt his draft stock, but Baltimore selected him in the second round in 2022. His recovery process resulted in just three combined regular and postseason contests as a rookie, a span which included only one sack. Hopes were high from team and player for a step forward in Year 2, but a knee/ankle injury shut Ojabo down after three games.
This past season saw the 25-year-old appear in 13 games as he managed a much healthier campaign than his first two. Ojabo only handled a 33% snap share, however, and that rotational role resulted in limited production. Two sacks and nine pressures were a reflection of his workload but also an inability to move up the depth chart (which was led by Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh). With one year remaining on his rookie contract, this summer will be critical for Ojabo.
As The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec writes (subscription required), Van Noy and Oweh remain in position as starters for 2025. Baltimore’s pass rush group also includes returnees Tavius Robinson and Adisa Isaac, along with second-round rookie Mike Green. Those five can be considered roster locks, whereas Ojabo enters training camp on the bubble. Per Zrebiec, Ojabo could “very easily” find himself on a new team in 2025.
As things stand, Ojabo is set to carry a cap charge of $2.52MM for the final year of his pact. Cutting or trading him would create $1.78MM in savings while generating a dead money charge of only $733K. It would come as a surprise to see a notable trade market in this case, given Ojabo’s missed time and limited production when on the field. In the event he were to be waived, though, teams looking for a depth addition with upside based on age could show interest in a modest deal following roster cuts.
Van Noy is entering the final season of his pact while Oweh is slated to play on his fifth-year option as things stand. Keeping one or both in the fold beyond 2025 would be an understandable goal for the Ravens after each member of that tandem produced double-digit sacks last season. Robinson, Isaac and Green will each be on their rookie deals for at least two more years, so they can be expected to remain in place for that time. Ojabo, on the other hand, could find himself on the move in the near future.