On Tuesday afternoon, the Los Angeles Chargers sent veteran safety Alohi Gilman and a 2026 fifth-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens for veteran edge defender Odafe Oweh and a 2027 seventh-round pick.
While the majority of the discussion will be about the two veterans who were swapped, addressing the needs of their respective new teams, there’s another player who will be significantly impacted by this move: R.J. Mickens.
Gilman started all five games at safety this season for Los Angeles, but the Chargers were comfortable moving him because they are deep at safety. Part of that depth is Mickens, a promising rookie who could now have a bigger role following this trade.
Rookie safety R.J. Mickens could see an increase in playing time after Chargers trade Alohi Gilman
Mickens was drafted by Los Angeles in the sixth round of the 2025, after a five-year career at Clemson. The first-year safety instantly created a buzz for himself before his first season, flashing during the offseason program and in training camp.
His promising play was also on display in the preseason, playing in all four exhibition games, recording 20 tackles and three pass deflections over the four outings.
Since the start of the season, however, Mickens hasn’t seen the field much. He has only appeared in just two of Los Angeles’ five games this season, Weeks 2 and 3, and hasn’t played any defensive snaps. His limited playing time came on special teams, playing 23 total special teams snaps in the two weeks.
Now, with Alohi Gilman in Baltimore because of the Chargers' need for help on the edge, R.J. Mickens will move up the depth chart. The rookie safety isn’t going to be immediately jumping into the starting lineup, but he is one step closer to being a contributor for Los Angeles.