Ravens’ Breakout Defender Could Be Franchise Tag Candidate
The Baltimore Ravens face an important decision regarding one of their breakout defenders from last season. Linebacker Odafe Oweh, a 2021 first-round pick, has just one year remaining on his current deal and is set to play on his fifth-year option in 2025. Following a breakout 2024 season in which he recorded a career-high 10 sacks, Oweh’s performance could prompt the Ravens to either offer him a long-term contract or place the franchise tag on him.
Brandon Austin of Pro Football Network believes Oweh is a strong candidate for the franchise tag, citing his impressive physical transformation. Oweh added 20 pounds of muscle, which enhanced his ability to overpower blockers, making him a disruptive force on defense. Austin also points out that Oweh will enter free agency alongside elite pass rushers like Micah Parsons, T.J. Watt, and Trey Hendrickson, which could drive up his value. Given the Ravens’ history of using the franchise tag, it’s possible they could apply it to Oweh if he continues his dominant play in 2025.
While Oweh’s demands won’t match those of top-tier pass rushers like Parsons or Watt, he could be in line for a significant contract if he proves his 2024 season wasn’t a fluke. If the Ravens aren’t willing to meet those demands, the franchise tag could provide a more affordable and less risky option for the team.
Oweh’s path to success in the NFL has been gradual. He showed promise as a rookie with 33 tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. However, his production dipped in his second season, with just three sacks and one forced fumble. Injuries limited him to 13 games in 2023, but he still matched his previous five-sack total. Now, with his development seemingly on an upward trajectory, Oweh is a bargain for the Ravens as his fifth-year option carries a $13.251 million cap hit for 2025, according to Spotrac.
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