Washington Commanders fans were getting impatient just a few hours into the legal tampering window. They needn't have worried, as general manager Adam Peters had something massive up his sleeve.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Commanders have agreed to terms with edge rusher Odafe Oweh on a four-year, $100 million deal with $68 million guaranteed. It is a massive statement of intent, ticking off arguably the biggest priority off the list relatively quickly.
The Commanders were in desperate need of more explosiveness off the edge. Oweh ticks those boxes, and he looks ready to become a focal point somewhere. Once the Los Angeles Chargers re-upped with Khalil Mack, his departure always seemed inevitable. Judging by the money involved, he was Washington's top priority.
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A bigger price tag brings loftier expectations. Still, one Chargers expert believes Oweh can ascend even further in the right fit.
Jason Reed of Bolt Beat stated that Oweh looked like one of the league's premier edge rushers in Los Angeles after his trade before the 2025 deadline. Now, he'll get the chance to thrive as a legitimate No. 1 option with the Commanders.
"Odafe Oweh showed up in Los Angeles and looked like one of the best edge rushers in the league. His 7.5 sacks in 12 games and stellar showing in the playoffs raised his stock from forgotten about former first-round pick to one of the hottest names on the market. If he lands on the right team that can utilize him, Oweh can repeat his success in Los Angeles."
Reed's comment about fit is telling. Looking at the system that new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones is projected to run in Washington, Oweh looks tailor-made for it. His bend, length, and speed will be a significant asset to call upon. If the 3-4 defensive front occupies enough space, the 2021 first-round pick could do some real damage.
With Dorance Armstrong Jr. set to return from injury, his pairing with Oweh comes with real intrigue. Washington may also look to add another explosive pass-rushing force in free agency or the draft, but landing one of the top options on the open market was a tremendous place to start.
Oweh isn't going to magically solve every issue on Washington's defense. But if he becomes what those in power expect in an every-down role, it's got the scope to change everything. It will also make everyone around him better, including Armstrong on the opposite side of the line.
This has all the makings of a sound investment. And it speaks volumes about the Commanders' intentions.