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Jamison Hensley
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens exterior linebacker Odafe Oweh observed one thing totally different at a current offseason apply. When he pushed off blockers, they flew backward.
Oweh placed on 20 kilos this offseason, remodeling right into a extra highly effective move rusher. He went from 245 kilos to 265, which is the heaviest he has ever been.
The choice to bulk up got here instantly after final season. Oweh completed with one sort out — together with no sacks or quarterback hits — within the 27-25 AFC divisional playoff loss on the Buffalo Payments.
That efficiency impacted Oweh over the previous 4 months.
“I assumed numerous that needed to do with my weight and with the ability to be stout in sure positions,” Oweh stated after a current offseason apply. “So, as quickly because the season was carried out, I went to Miami, began consuming, lifting after which gaining weight.”
It has been a problem for Oweh from the burden room to the kitchen. His weight loss plan has consisted of dry hen, Brussels sprouts and asparagus.
“It was numerous nasty meal prep,” he stated. “However it did the job.”
Whereas the previous has served as motivation for Oweh, he may money in after the season if his improved physique ends in improved play. Oweh is taking part in below his fifth-year possibility of $13.251 million this season and may turn into an unrestricted free agent subsequent offseason.
It might be a loaded free agent class for edge rushers in 2026 — Cincinnati Bengals‘ Trey Hendrickson, Dallas Cowboys‘ Micah Parsons and Pittsburgh Steelers‘ T.J. Watt — if they do not signal extensions or get the franchise tag.
“I’d be loopy to say that is not one thing slightly bit behind my thoughts,” Oweh stated when requested if his contract standing impacts his outlook for this season. “However yearly, I attempt to be higher than I used to be final yr. So to be trustworthy, that is actually what I am targeted on. I do know if I try this, it is going to care for itself.”
A primary-round choose in 2021, Oweh was stable in his first three seasons, totaling 13 sacks. He then had a breakout yr within the 2024 season with profession highs of 10 sacks and 23 quarterback hits.
Now, Oweh can turn into the primary participant drafted by the Ravens to report double-digit sacks in back-to-back seasons since Terrell Suggs in 2013 and 2014.
“I am simply actually proud of Odafe proper now, when it comes to what he is carried out [this offseason],” Ravens coach John Harbaugh stated. “You noticed him on the market, proper? How does he look to you? He appears to be like good. He is placed on 12 or 15 kilos of muscle. He is labored actually exhausting. He is simply very decided to be actually nice.”
Through the years, Oweh has been suggested to placed on extra weight. He was all the time resistant as a result of he did not need to lose his pace.
“That was all the time one thing that was looming in my thoughts,” Oweh stated. “However I assume it is the way in which you practice to maintain the muscle. After which clearly, once you’re constructing muscular tissues, have the ability to be sure you will be cell with it.”
Oweh already has a focused variety of sacks in thoughts for this season however does not need to reveal it. He’ll solely say that he desires greater than final season.
The Ravens are going to want Oweh to be disruptive early. Within the first 4 weeks, Baltimore faces Josh Allen, the reigning NFL Most Invaluable Participant; Jared Goff, the NFL’s second-leading passer final season with 4,629 yards; and Patrick Mahomes, a three-time Tremendous Bowl champion.
Harbaugh believes changing into an All-Professional this season is a practical purpose for Oweh.
“Go be the very best, be the very best within the enterprise,” Harbaugh stated. “And that is robust, as a result of there’s numerous good gamers taking part in his place. However that is the way in which he sees himself, and let’s go for it.”
