Odafe Oweh - Commanders DE/OLB
The Washington Commanders knew they had to improve the edge-rushing room this offseason. General manager Adam Peters largely overlooked the position group in 2025, a mistake he wasn't going to repeat.
Several new additions came into the franchise via free agency and the draft. The biggest was Odafe Oweh, who received a four-year, $96 million deal from the Commanders that included a $26 million signing bonus and $68 million in guaranteed money. He was among the best free agents on the market, but that didn't stop some analysts from criticizing the move as a massive overpay.
While Oweh hasn't been used as anything more than a situational edge defender throughout his career, he's got the size, length, and explosiveness to become a three-down force within Daronte Jones' schematic concepts. And if he provides a major spark for the Commanders, nobody will care too much about what it cost to acquire him.
Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL
The Commanders caused a stir just before free agency by releasing starting center Tyler Biadasz. It took everyone by surprise, given how established he was. Adam Peters held a different opinion and was willing to accept a significant amount of dead money to remove him from the equation ahead of time.
Washington didn't exactly prioritize reinforcements in this area of the field, either. Aside from Day 3 draft pick Matt Gulbin, there were no new arrivals. Nothing much was done to fill the void left by Biadasz, suggesting confidence in Nick Allegretti's chances of securing the position this summer.
Allegretti's time at either guard position hasn't gone according to plan. He played well when deputizing for Biadasz late in the campaign, which was obviously enough for the Commanders to change course. The Illinois product was extended early, and if he makes the spot his own by performing well, it will be a masterstroke by Peters.
Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB
There was a lot to like about Frankie Luvu's first season with the Commanders. He provided energy, enthusiasm, and aggression alongside Bobby Wagner at the second level of the defense. Both linebackers earned second-team All-Pro honors, a richly deserved recognition for their exceptional contributions.
Last season didn't go nearly as well for Luvu. The vibes weren't quite the same. He was asked to spend a lot of time on the edge amid Washington's injury crisis. While he was happy to do so, he admitted after the campaign that he wasn't really comfortable in the role.
Daronte Jones plans to move Luvu back to his off-ball role in 2026, where he can be instinctive and reactive to what's going on in front of him. The Commanders signed Leo Chenal in free agency and spent the No. 7 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Sonny Styles, making the linebacker spot one of their potential strengths next season.
But with doubts growing around Luvu, he must deliver in a contract year.
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