On Tuesday, the LA Chargers completed a rare player-for-player trade with the Baltimore Ravens. The Chargers sent S Alohi Gilman and a 2026 fifth-round pick for EDGE Odafe Oweh and a 2027 seventh-rounder. Head coach Jim Harbaugh was asked about the trade at his media availability on Wednesday afternoon:
"First and foremost, just want to thank Alohi Gilman for everything he's meant to our team and this organization," Harbaugh started. "Great player, beloved guy on our team and I know that's hard for Joe (Hortiz) trading player for player. He's going to a good organization and Odafe (Oweh) will be welcomed here."
Harbaugh was also asked about what he's seen from rookie R.J. Mickens so far now that he'll have a bigger role. Mickens only played special teams snaps in Weeks 2 and 3 when Elijah Molden dealt with injuries.
When the room had been healthy, the Clemson product was a healthy scratch like in last week's game vs. Washington. But with Gilman moving on, Mickens will be bumped up in the rotation. Harbaugh had this to say about the rookie safety:
"He's really been chipping away at it and has asserted himself," Harbaugh said. "I think you saw that in the preseason, but also in practice we feel like he can help us on special teams. He has a real quality of covering the field, sideline to sideline. He's got great range and good ball skills, understanding of the defense. That's come along very well. It's his time to shine."
"It's his time to shine. "Jim Harbaugh on R.J. Mickens
R.J. Mickens will step up to help fill the safety void after Chargers trade Alohi Gilman
Mickens showed the team what he was capable of in the preseason. He came away with the third-highest PFF defensive grade of the preseason (90.7) behind only cornerback Eric Rogers and safety Tony Jefferson. Mickens also played 50 special teams snaps in the team's four preseason games.
He probably won't get that many snaps on defense barring an injury, but the Gilman trade is in part the team showing faith in Mickens' ability to step up. He'll get his first chance to see the field since Week 3 when the Chargers face the Dolphins this weekend.
Gilman, meanwhile, will suit up for the Ravens for the first time on Sunday morning against the LA Rams.