OTL: Ravens Add CJGJ & Gilman as Search for Answers on D Continues

It was quite a busy Tuesday afternoon, yesterday, for Ravens GM Eric DeCosta. In the matter of just three hours, DeCosta signed veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the practice squad and sent former first-round pick Odafe Oweh to the Chargers, in exchange for safety Alohi Gilman and a fifth-round pick.

Oweh entered 2025 on the final year of his contract, and after little talk regarding a contract extension during the offseason, all signs pointed to the former 2021 first-round pick hitting the open market. Coming off a career-high 10.0 sack season a year ago, the production just hasn’t been the same out of Oweh through 5 games in 2025. He has watched his snap percentage drop to a career low this year (45.5%), totaling just 10 tackles and 15 total pressures. The move saved roughly $7 million in cap space, as the Ravens remain committed to finding a solution to their problems.

Gilman has played in 87% of the Chargers’ D snaps this year (5 starts) & started 25 games in 2023-2024 (every game when healthy).

The Ravens will pay Gilman $2,527,778 for the balance of the yr, while being relieved of paying the balance of Oweh’s remaining salary ($9,570,167). https://t.co/RSyNm2LSZp

— Brian McFarland (@RavensSalaryCap) October 7, 2025

Baltimore is searching for answers, as they sit 31st in the league in yards allowed per game, and dead-last in points allowed per game (35.4). The acquisition of Gilman brings a valued veteran presence to the safety room, as Kyle Hamilton is nursing a groin injury, and rookie Malaki Starks is still growing into his role. Entering the league in 2020 out of Notre Dame, Gilman has worked his way from special teams ace to valued starter on defense through six seasons. Gilman brings an ability to support in run defense, while also making his presence known in coverage. Since entering the league, Gilman has allowed 64 receptions on 103 targets, for 1,019 yards against, with 5 interceptions, and 4 TDs allowed. The 28-year-old has held opposing QBs to a passer rating under 90.0 in three seasons, with his career low this year (60.4).

You’d have to imagine the transition to Baltimore will be a little easier for Gilman, given his connections, especially with former college teammate Hamilton. With 2025 being the final year on his contract, Gilman’s play on the field will ultimately determine the front office’s plans with the safety following this season.

Following his release from the Texans due to reports of animosity amongst players and coaches, C.J Gardner-Johnson has found himself on the Ravens practice squad entering Week 6. Gardner-Johnson could be exactly what the Ravens need, given his ability to play in coverage. Baltimore desperately needs Hamilton to return to his “swiss army knife” skill set, and get him back to roaming amongst the defense.

Adding veterans like Gardner-Johnson and Gilman allows the Ravens to move Hamilton around and take a bit more off the plate of Starks. In his 7th season in the league, Gardner-Johnson has recorded 18 INTs and 51 pass deflections. A true ball hawk is really what the Ravens have missed since the departure of Geno Stone in the 2024 offseason, with safeties totaling just three INTs since, two of which from Ar’Darius Washington, who suffered a torn Achilles in the offseason.

Gardner-Johnson has allowed a catch percentage under 75% since entering the league. Coming off a career-low 54.1% catch rate allowed last season, the Ravens are hoping to get even half of that production back on their signing to potentially find some success in their secondary.

It’s ultimately a low-risk, high-reward signing for a team desperately looking to find some sort of fight.

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