Adam Peters wants to prioritize the pass-rush this offseason. The Washington Commanders failed to generate any semblance of consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Under new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, that has to change.
The Commanders need to give Jones a fighting chance of achieving this objective by significantly enhancing the options at his disposal. Someone like Rueben Bain Jr. and David Bailey makes sense at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, but Washington also needs an explosive veteran firmly in their career prime. That won't be cheap, but Peters has money to spend in free agency.
Maximizing every available resource is crucial. Attracting free agents shouldn't be a problem. This remains an ambitious project, even though 2025 didn't go according to plan. The opportunity to turn the tide within Jones' aggressive defensive concepts is a strong selling point for anyone.
Commanders projected to land ascending edge rusher Odafe Oweh in free agency
Seth Trachtman of Yardbarker believes he's found the perfect player to spearhead Washington's renaissance on defense. The analyst projected the Commanders to land Odafe Oweh in free agency, who fits the mold of what Peters and Jones might be looking for when the legal tampering period commences.
"[Odafe] Oweh is arguably the top edge rusher on the market after recording 10 sacks in 2024 and 7.5 sacks last season. Washington is among the teams that could be a good fit for the free agent as they continue to remake their defensive line."Seth Trachtman
Oweh is fast and dynamic with a relentless work ethic and supreme physicality. The Los Angeles Chargers got some solid returns from the player after they struck a trade deal with the Baltimore Ravens before the 2025 deadline. Whether they want to reward him with another deal is anyone's guess, but it would be surprising if they didn't try.
If Oweh hits free agency, his market could be robust. The 27-year-old has his best football ahead, and teams are always willing to pay a premium for high-quality edge rushers. The Commanders could throw their hat in the ring, and they've also got enough financial flexibility to make the Penn State product an offer that would be difficult to turn down.
According to Spotrac, Oweh is projected to get a three-year, $57.96 million contract, averaging $19.32 million per season. Not exactly chump change, but not at the upper end of edge rushing deals around the league, either.
Peters will have a list of targets in mind. Don't be surprised if Oweh is near the top.