Will Ravens Pick Up OLB Odafe Oweh's Fifth-Year Option?

As the 2021 NFL Draft's first-round selections await their futures the Baltimore Ravens have a decision to make with Odafe Oweh.

The Baltimore Ravens were considered the favorites to represent the AFC this year in the Super Bowl before ultimately falling to the eventual champion Kansas City Chiefs to end their season.

That defeat not only put a disappointing cap on the year, but it also launched the departure of several defensive coaches with players to follow depending on how free agency impacts the Ravens roster this season.

One player who won't be a free agent this year, and therefore should be in Baltimore for the next, is linebacker Odafe Oweh who is entering his fourth season since being drafted by the franchise in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh / © Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

That status doesn't free him from the list of decisions the team has to make, however, because coming out of his third season means the Ravens have to determine whether or not to exercise his fifth-year option and lock him down for 2025 or risk his becoming an unrestricted free agent.

"Oweh recorded five sacks and a pair of forced fumbles in 13 games this past season," writes Marcus Mosher of 33rd Team. "He has steadily improved year-to-year but has yet to break out. Should Baltimore believe his arrow is still pointing up?"

Mosher lists Oweh among his five most difficult fifth-year options decisions to be made this offseason joining players like quarterback Justin Fields (Chicago Bears), running back Najee Harris (Pittsburgh Steelers), tight end Kyle Pitts (Atlanta Falcons), and offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker (New York Jets).

If Baltimore does pick up Oweh's option then it will owe him $12.1 million in 2025 which is fully guaranteed once done.

If Oweh continues to grow within the Ravens defense then it could certainly be worth the investment. 

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However, if he takes a step back or even simply plateaus over the next two seasons, it may be a decision Baltimore comes to regret. 

The Ravens have until the deadline on May 2nd to decide.