David Ojabo had high hopes when the Baltimore Ravens selected him as a second-round pick back in 2022. Unfortunately, things haven't worked out for the 25-year-old outside linebacker. Through four seasons in the league, Ojabo has started in just one game and recorded just 26 combined tackles.
Likewise, the Michigan product has never been on the field for more than 38 percent of the Ravens' snaps. This season has been no different for him. Ojabo has recorded 10 total tackles while playing in 29.3 percent of the Ravens' snaps. Additionally, Ojabo has an underwhelming 50.1 PFF grade for the season. His limited role and impact come with the important context that the Ravens' front seven has dealt with injuries.
After returning to practice on Wednesday, Tavius Robinson could return from his foot injury as soon as next week. Consequently, once Robinson returns, that could spell the end of Ojabo's season. Notably, Ojabo was a healthy scratch for the first two games before Nnamdi Madubuike went down with a season-ending injury.
Ojabo is a free agent this spring, so the bigger picture is that he might not have a future with the Ravens at all.
This could be the end of the road for David Ojabo
With Robinson's pending return, Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers will likely seal Ojabo's fate. If Ojabo has a strong outing, he could stay in the lineup and receive some level of opportunity. Conversely, if Ojabo doesn't produce again, it's likely that he won't see much, if any, playing time for the rest of the season. It wouldn't shock me if he goes back to being a healthy inactive.
During the four games in which Ojabo and Robinson were both active this season, Ojabo played 22.3 percent of the snaps. Overall, it will take an impressive performance on Sunday for Ojabo to have another real opportunity to close out the season.
The bigger part is that this game could make or break Ojabo's future with the Ravens. Typically, that would sound harsh, after all, it's only one game. However, in Ojabo's case, it's warranted. He has done little to show that the Ravens should bring him back this offseason, and Sunday could very well be his last chance to change things.
The Ravens have 23 free agents this season, which includes seven members of the front-seven. Right now, it seems like the writing is on the wall that for Ojabo to find a new home this offseason, and Sunday could be his last chance to flip this narrative.