Jesse Minter details Odafe Oweh’s Growth after Ravens trade to Chargers
When the Baltimore Ravens traded outside linebacker Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers, his production had yet to fully match expectations. That changed in Los Angeles under a Jesse Minter-led defense. Minter was asked how he was able to get more out of Oweh — and whether a reunion in Baltimore could be possible now that the pass rusher is set to hit free agency.
“With ‘Daf’ [Odafe Oweh], we made a trade and picked him up. We, at the time, needed an edge rusher, and I know [Chargers general manager] Joe [Hortiz] and [executive vice president and general manager] Eric [DeCosta] obviously worked out the trade. I think we just created an environment for him where he played with a lot of confidence. We simplified some things that we were asking him to do. We allowed him, at times, to have a little more freedom as a pass rusher. I know he’s earned the right to be a free agent now, and he had a really good statistical ending to his initial contract in the NFL. So, he’s earned the right to be a free agent, so he’ll have every opportunity to look at it all and do all that. And I know Eric and the guys will make great decisions of who we bring in here in free agency.”
For Minter, Oweh’s jump wasn’t about reinventing the player; it was about putting him in a position to play faster and with more confidence. Simplifying responsibilities and giving him added freedom as a pass rusher helped unlock his production. As for a return to Baltimore, that decision will ultimately be made by the front office. But based on how Minter spoke about Oweh’s growth, it’s clear there’s respect there, and if the opportunity presents itself, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Ravens at least explore it.
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This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Jesse Minter on Odafe Oweh, Ravens Reunion Possibility