When the Baltimore Ravens traded edge rusher Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers last October, it appeared to unlock his potential. The trade was a fresh start for the 2021 first-round pick, who had gotten off to a slow start in 2025.

After the trade, Oweh recorded 28 tackles, 7.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss and 13 quarterback hits. In the playoff loss to the New England Patriots, Oweh was phenomenal, recording four tackles, including three for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles.

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It happened at a perfect time for Oweh, too. He was playing on the final year of his rookie contract.

On the opening day of free agency, Oweh agreed to a four-year deal worth $96 million with the Washington Commanders. Some praised the move; others believe Washington paid too much. But sacks cost money, especially on the open market. Washington is taking a chance on a 6-foot-5, 260-pound freakishly athletic edge rusher who is only 27 and is coming off his two best seasons. While people talk about his slow start with Baltimore through five games last season, it should be noted that he recorded a career-high 10 sacks in 2024.

Oweh’s trade to Los Angeles allowed him to play for then-defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Minter and Oweh appeared to hit it off immediately. At the NFL’s annual league meetings this week, Minter, the new head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, discussed Oweh.

“No. 1, you know, he knew that it was kind of the clock was ticking, it was a contract year for him, he gets traded, there’s a little bit of that fresh start,” Minter said. “Kind of gave him a new life, I would say, just going to a new place. We connected really well. I think we had a lot of confidence in how we were trying to use him. We try to breed confidence into him and his ability as a pass rusher, his ability to impact the game. Very happy for him, very proud of him, and I think Washington got a good player.”

Washington didn’t sign Oweh based on his brief tenure with the Chargers. They see his length, athleticism, pedigree, and, combined with his recent success, as a reason to bet big on him in free agency. Washington clearly believes Oweh is only scratching the surface, and Minter appears to agree.

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This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Ravens coach sees big things for Odafe Oweh