On Tuesday, the Baltimore Ravens surprisingly traded Odafe Oweh and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Los Angeles Chargers for Alohi Gilman and a 2026 fifth-round pick. The Ravens' defensive struggles, through an abysmal 1-4 start, have been no secret. Notably, Baltimore ranks 31st in opponents' yards per game, and last in opponents' points per game, giving up an absurd 35 ppg.
This trade should bolster their secondary, but it will also have ripple effects. Kyle Hamilton is clearly one of the players who this trade will most closely impact. The Ravens now have three starting-caliber safeties, with Hamilton, Gilman, and Malaki Starks. Perhaps Starks moves to a bench role as the rookie has struggled at times this season.
Nevertheless, the Ravens' defense is riddled with injuries and underperforming as a whole. As a result, the more likely scenario is that Hamilton moves around the field. Hamilton's versatility makes him one of the league's best safeties. The Ravens will now take advantage of that versatility more.
Baltimore also signed C.J. Gardner-Johnson to their practice squad. While it's unclear if he'll see much, if any, time on the field, adding another secondary player makes Hamilton rotating around the field more likely.
Hamilton is set to move around the field more
Hamilton missed Sunday's game against the Houston Texans with a groin injury. It's possible Hamilton misses more time, and we don't get to see how the Ravens will use him next to Gilman for a bit. Regardless, this doesn't appear to be a long-term injury, and we will see Hamilton in a new role sooner than later.
At 6-foot-4 with a rare blend of strength and speed, Hamilton is capable of lining up in the secondary or as a linebacker. Now with a third safety, Hamilton will line up more as a cornerback and linebacker. Hamilton often lines up like a linebacker during blitz plays. Additionally, the Ravens used Hamilton in a linebacker-like role during the start of last season.
Marlon Humphrey and Roquan Smith are dealing with slightly more serious injuries than Hamilton. Consequently, Hamilton's versatility as both a cornerback and a linebacker will be vital. Even when Humphery and Smith return, Hamilton will likely roam around the field.
It's unlikely Hamilton will be able to solve the Ravens' multifaceted defensive problems by himself. Nonetheless, he has been a rare bright spot for the Ravens so far, posting an 81.7 PFF grade, 24 solo tackles, and generating 2 pressures.
Cap flexibility and bolstering the secondary were motivating factors for the Ravens to make this trade. Undoubtedly, though, Hamilton will now have more responsibilities than ever, and this trade is a vote of confidence in him.