Odafe Oweh is entering the final year of his deal with the Baltimore Ravens. The former first-round pick is now fighting for a long-term future in Baltimore.
This is it. No more projections, no more potential — just production for Oweh.
Odafe Oweh’s Story So Far
In 2021, Oweh was drafted with the 31st pick in the NFL draft, with amazing athletic features that the Ravens loved. For his frame, being quick and agile was a perfect gift at the edge position. Oweh had a good showing in his rookie year, recording five sacks and three forced fumbles. He showed real promise pressuring quarterbacks, using his burst to collapse and disrupt timing.
After a promising rookie year, Oweh didn’t deliver the leap many expected. He generated pressure but often failed to finish plays or turn disruption into sacks. Injuries caused him to miss some games and kept him from playing at full strength.
However, in 2024, he finally broke out with his best season yet, showing the disruptive playmaking the Ravens hoped for.
He posted a career-high 10 sacks and appeared more confident from the edge while pushing quarterbacks off their rhythm. Oweh ranked 29th out of 211 edge defenders with 48 pressures, a solid showing from his end.
Contract Year Expectations
The clock is ticking on Oweh’s time under contract, and the Ravens must decide what’s next. There is a lot at stake, as Baltimore could let Odafe Oweh walk, potentially extend him, or maybe even use the franchise tag.
The Ravens don’t have much cap space as is. They’re already paying a lot for Lamar Jackson, Nnamdi Madubuike, Roquan Smith, among others. Baltimore will also need to give extensions in the future to Tyler Linderbaum, Kyle Hamilton, and Zay Flowers, since they are all still on rookie contracts while being major contributors on this team.
Meanwhile, Baltimore drafted Mike Green in the 2025 NFL draft, a dominant edge rusher who could possibly be Oweh’s replacement if they don’t extend him.
What Oweh Needs to Prove
Going into 2025, Odafe Oweh needs to be more consistent in pressuring the quarterback, and more importantly, finish plays when he breaks into the backfield. Winning more one-on-one battles against offensive linemen will be key for turning pressure into production. He needs to set the edge in the run defense alongside the defensive stars already in place.
Oweh knows he needs to take another step. He gained 20 pounds this offseason, which should make him stronger and physical. He already has the speed, but adding that much size could make him more dominant in the pass-rush game.
The Pressure is On Odafe Oweh
Is this the year he puts it all together?
Oweh’s speed, size, and athleticism have never been in question. But this is the NFL — physical traits only get you so far. With a second contract on the line, other options developing at his position, and the clock ticking, Odafe Oweh has one last shot to prove he belongs in Baltimore’s long-term plans.
The flashes have always been there. Now, it’s time to deliver.
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