EL SEGUNDO — Alohi Gilman was more than just a sidekick to Derwin James Jr. during their six seasons together in the Chargers’ defensive backfield. Gilman was solid in pass coverage, a reliable tackler, a vocal team leader and a key figure in the NFL’s stingiest defense during the 2024 season.
How the Chargers proceed without him, after trading him to the Baltimore Ravens in the deal that netted them pass rusher Odafe Oweh on Tuesday, will be a work in progress, according to defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. It might not be as simple as finding one replacement.
“Tons of love and respect for him,” Minter said of Gilman.
James said he spoke to Gilman after the trade was completed, but only briefly.
“That’s always my brother,” James said. “Nothing but love and respect for him.”
The three-player rotation of Gilman, James and Elijah Molden is no more, but the Chargers have several options. Tony Jefferson, an 11-year veteran, and RJ Mickens, a rookie, are two possibilities, with Jefferson likely to get more snaps when the Chargers face the Miami Dolphins on Monday.
Minter said Thursday the plan was to stick with three safeties, allowing James to play closer to the line of scrimmage and Molden and either Jefferson or Mickens to play the more traditional deep coverage positions. James has acted as another linebacker in coverage and running situations.
“I do feel like that’s a position where we have depth or otherwise it’s a move you might not be able to make,” Minter said of trading Gilman. “(Jefferson) has been in the rotation and played (this season). I’m really excited to see RJ get an opportunity. I think back to our rookies last year.”
Minter referred to cornerbacks Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still.
“In the third, fourth or five games, those guys started to come on and let their presence be known,” Minter continued, speaking of the progress Hart and Still made. “So, I really feel like RJ has done a phenomenal job … getting better every week, staying in tune. RJ probably knows the game plan as well as anybody.
“So, I’m excited to see him get his shot. Obviously, we trust Tony and Elijah.”
TRADE (PART 2)
No question, the Chargers wouldn’t have made the trade for Oweh if not for their depth at safety, as Minter suggested, but also because of a lack of quarterback pressure with Khalil Mack on injured reserve after suffering a dislocated left elbow Sept. 15 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
So, what can the Chargers expect from Oweh, who didn’t have a sack in the Ravens’ first five games to start the 2025 season after recording a career-high 10 sacks last season? How might he fit into the outside linebacker position opposite Tuli Tuipulotu while Mack is sidelined?
“His pressure rate is high this year,” Minter said of Oweh. “He’s played well. He’s played the run well. He’s physical. He put on a bunch of weight in the offseason to play the run and do things better. … Super excited to add who we added and I think he’ll make a big presence for us.”
INJURY UPDATES
Left tackle Joe Alt was sidelined by a sprained right ankle for the second consecutive day and it’s likely he’ll sit out for a second consecutive game Sunday against the Dolphins after he was injured in the first quarter of the Chargers’ 21-18 loss to the New York Giants on Sept. 28. …
Wide receiver Derius Davis (knee), defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand (groin) and offensive linemen Trey Pipkins III (knee) and Jamaree Salyer (knee) didn’t practice. Wide receiver Keenan Allen (rest), right guard Mekhi Becton (hand) and linebacker Denzel Perryman (ankle) were full participants.