Only one word can truly describe the Baltimore Ravens’ offseason: chaotic. They had it all. A new head coach hiring, a failed trade for a star talent, painful departures, and big-time signings—it was truly a roller coaster ride.
Baltimore’s free agent losses have many people questioning how good the team will truly be in 2026. Sure, they’ve improved, but with 13 former players joining new teams, there’s a lot to replace. One they won’t have much trouble replacing, though, is Alohi Gilman.
It’s not that Gilman was bad for the Ravens in 2025. He actually helped make an absolutely horrendous defense at least somewhat bearable to watch. However, that was more due to Kyle Hamilton acting like Superman, and his heroics may have played a role in tricking the Kansas City Chiefs into signing Gilman to a three-year, $24.75 million contract.
That move could backfire.
Former Baltimore Ravens safety Alohi Gilman could be an issue for the Kansas City Chiefs
Last year, the Ravens were aggressive in trading for Gilman. Their defense desperately needed some help in the secondary, and the 28-year-old came in as a piece to help stop the constant bleeding. He did that to an extent, but in the same breath, his flaws were clear.
Thankfully, Baltimore never saw Gilman as much more than a band-aid. He was depth in a talented safety room between Hamilton and Malaki Starks, and this offseason, it looks like the team definitely upgraded with the addition of Jaylinn Hawkins.
For the Chiefs, though? It looks like they’re trusting Gilman to be a starter and leader in a very questionable secondary. That’s a massive risk for a team that carries Super Bowl hopes into every season.
And Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton believes Kansas City’s move for Gilman could have bust written all over it in 2026. There are just a lot of red flags with Gilman’s game. Moton wrote:
“In four out of six seasons, Gilman has allowed a passer rating of 104 or higher. In all but one campaign, he's missed 11 percent of his tackle attempts. If the coaching staff can't rely on him in coverage or run support, expect a quick hook for a backup.”
Both of those flaws were pretty obvious in Gilman’s short stint in Charm City last year. Statistically, yes, the defense got better. However, his success was more built on communication and IQ. Coverage and tackling in the open field are simply not his strong suit.
For the Chiefs, they traded their All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams this offseason. Now, it’s just a lot of uncertainty in the secondary, and Gilman might be leaned on heavily early on. That’s not exactly a great sign for their defense.
Sure, maybe Kansas City’s defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo unlocks something in Gilman. He’s one of the more respected DCs in the NFL after all. Ultimately, though, it’s a significant question mark, and while the Ravens upgraded their defense, one of their top rivals, the Chiefs, are hearing the doubters.
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