The start of organized team activities are like the first day of school, when everybody takes stock of what's changed with their classmates over the summer. For the Ravens, one player who stands out is outside linebacker Odafe Oweh.
Coming off a breakout season with 10 sacks, Oweh said he added 20 pounds of muscle this offseason – up from 245 pounds to 265. It's the biggest Oweh has ever been, but he still feels just as explosive.
"[It will help in stopping] the run," Oweh said. "And then obviously, the top of my rush, not being able to be pushed off the point, digging out the rip. And then obviously [with] power as well."
Oweh has always had phenomenal athleticism. It's part of why he was a first-round draft pick despite not logging a sack in his final college season at Penn State.
Last year, he beefed up his pass rush arsenal with a better game plan and more refined moves. This offseason, he beefed up his body. Even though he doubled his sack total from the year before, Oweh didn't like the way he finished the season in the playoff loss in Buffalo.
"I didn't have the outing I wanted, so I thought a lot of that had to do with my weight and being able to be stout in certain positions," Oweh said. "So, as soon as the season was done, I went to Miami, started eating, lifting and then gaining weight, basically."
Oweh said he basically ate dry chicken, brussels sprouts, and asparagus.
"It actually wasn't good food. It was a lot of nasty meal prep," he said with a chuckle. "But it did the job."
Oweh is slated to play this season on his fifth-year option, making him one of the Ravens' most highly paid players. Head Coach John Harbaugh said his goal for Oweh is to be an All-Pro.
"Go be the best in the business," Harbaugh said. "And that's tough, because there's a lot of good players playing his position, but that's the way he sees himself, and let's go for it."
If Oweh has that kind of season, he could be in line for a very lucrative extension or contract elsewhere if he were to hit the market.
"Obviously, I'm just trying to be the best player for the team," Oweh said. "I would be crazy to say that's not something a little bit in the back of my mind, but every year, I try to get better, try to be better than I was last year. So to be honest, that's really what I'm focused on. I know if I do that, it's going to take care of itself."
Tight Ends Also Not Worried About Their Contracts
After an offseason of trade speculation surrounding Mark Andrews, the Ravens' leading tight end was back on the field in purple. Now the question is what happens in 2026.
Baltimore's talented tight end trio of Andrews, Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar are all entering the final year of their contracts. The Ravens' career receiving touchdowns leader, Andrews will turn 30 this season while Likely and Kolar are both entering Year 4 and seeking their first big deals.
Asked whether he would like to work out a contract extension, Andrews said "it's not for me to deal with that."
"I thought [General Manager] Eric [DeCosta] had a great way of saying he's in the business of keeping great players. And, for me, I think I'm a great player," Andrews said. "I think I've been able to do it at the highest level [with] the best of the best for a long time, and I'm not slowing down."
Likely is coming off his finest season yet with 42 catches for 477 yards and six touchdowns. Like Andrews, he's become a highly trusted target for Jackson, especially on extended plays. Kolar also had his best season yet in 2024 and developed greatly as an in-line blocker.
"I tell everybody I love the Ravens, I love the city. You all brought me in and made me feel like I'm part of a family," Likely said. "But I try to stay where my feet are. Just play, have fun, and let the plays happen. And then whatever happens, I let God take care of that."
Ar'Darius Washington Targeting Late-Season Return
Harbaugh confirmed Wednesday that safety Ar'Darius Washington suffered a torn Achilles earlier this month. Harbaugh added that it was "a clean tear," which he described as the quick-healing version of the injury.
The good news for Baltimore? Washington seems high on his potential to return to the backend of the Ravens' defense this season.
"Ar'Darius tells me he'll be back in November," Harbaugh said. "He's always been a quick healer. I'm looking at November/December in my mind, so yes, we're counting on him being back.
"It's speculation, but nobody's going to work harder. He got back from the foot last time really quick, so yes. He's become a really good player, I must say, a great player. He's really become a great player. Nobody deserves opportunity and success more than Ar'Darius Washington, and nobody's going to fight harder for it. So yes, I'm counting on him getting back."
Harbaugh Gives Update on Joint Practices
Harbaugh said the Ravens will "probably" hold joint practice sessions against the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders later this summer.
Harbaugh said the team still has to sort through details but will look to have one day of joint practice with both the Colts and Commanders.
Baltimore hosts the Colts on Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. for its first game of the preseason. The Ravens will then travel to Washington on Aug. 23 at 12 p.m. after visiting the Dallas Cowboys the week before.
Extra Points
- New veteran nose tackle John Jenkins wasn't on the field or roster yet because, as Harbaugh explained, the Ravens are waiting for Michael Pierce's retirement to process post-June 1 to open up a roster spot.
- In his first comments since Justin Tucker's release, Harbaugh explained the "football decision" by saying, "We've got to have a kicker ready to go." Rookies Tyler Loop and John Hoyland are rotating days in their competition.
- New cornerback Chidobe Awuzie missed practice because of illness and right guard Daniel Faalele was out because he's "working on just some physical things," but is expected to be practicing soon, Harbaugh said.
