Ravens have quickly been vindicated for controversial trade

On October 7, the Baltimore Ravens traded edge rusher Odafe Oweh and a 2027 seventh-round pick for safety Alohi Gilman and a 2026 fifth-round pick. When it first happened, the trade was fairly controversial. It wasn't viewed as a downright bad trade. However, people were wondering why the Ravens traded an edge rusher when their pass rush had struggled all season long.

Since arriving in Baltimore, though, Gilman has helped transform the Ravens' defense. His presence has allowed Kyle Hamilton to move closer to the line of scrimmage, which has helped the Ravens generate more pressure. Likewise, Gilman has helped stabilize the Ravens' secondary.

While the trade was divisive at first, two months later, it's hard to argue that this was anything less than a great trade for the Ravens.

Gilman has changed the Ravens' outlook

Before the Gilman trade, Baltimore ranked 31st in opponents' yards per game and last in opponents' points per game, giving up an absurd 35 ppg. Since then, they have moved up to 23rd in yards allowed per game and 15th for opponents' points per game (22.9). Furthermore, the Ravens were 1-4 before trading for Gilman and are 6-3 since then.

Individually, Gilman has recorded 49 combined tackles, forced two fumbles, and notched a touchdown after a unique handoff play. It's safe to say that trading for Gilman changed the Ravens' season trajectory.

Gilman has been a linchpin to the Ravens' success, playing in 98 percent of the team's snaps. Getting an every-down secondary player has been massive for the Ravens. In addition to how Gilman has allowed Hamilton to play a different role, he has made life easier for rookie Malaki Starks.

The Notre Dame product is highly physical, with elite football knowledge. While Gilman isn't quite as versatile as Hamilton, it's clearly a strength of his. He mainly mans the deep part of the field, but Gilman has also played 19 snaps in the box since Week 6. Gilman has also only given up 247 yards.

Trading for Gilman also gave the Ravens some extra financial flexibility heading into the 2026 offseason. Gilman is a free agent, but given his stellar play, it's fair to expect that he'll be a priority for Eric DeCosta and company.

Oweh has played well with the Chargers, but the trade was still worth it

Oweh has been productive with the Chargers, recording 21 combined tackles and seven sacks. Seeing this despite Gilman's play, you might still be wondering if it was the right move given the Ravens' continued lack of pass rush.

However, the Ravens needed an every-down player, and that's not what Oweh is. He has only played in more than 60 percent of snaps once in his career and has been on the field for just 48 percent of snaps with the Chargers.

Ultimately, despite Oweh turning around his season, trading for Gilman was well worth it, and the Ravens' defense wouldn't be the same without this move.