When the Washington Commanders gave edge rusher Odafe Oweh a four-year, $96 million contract in free agency, there were more than a few eyebrows raised around the league. But this decision looked a little smarter during the team's offseason program.
Oweh knows the responsibility on his shoulders. He's been paid like an elite pass-rusher, and he needs to perform like it. While he's not be classed as anything more than a rotational threat throughout his career, former Washington tight end turned team analyst Logan Paulsen loved what he saw from the veteran over OTAs and minicamp.
Pressure breaks pipes in the NFL. The Commanders didn't generate much of that under previous defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. Daronte Jones is here to change all that, and general manager Adam Peters did his part over the offseason by finding the upgrades needed to excel.
Others will have to play well, but Oweh is now the top dog. Becoming a legitimate three-down force within Jones' schematic concepts is the first challenge. If he can do that, his explosiveness and quick burst off the line of scrimmage will be a significant asset.
Paulsen agrees. He thinks pressure will be a core component in whether Jones' system is successful. He also felt that Oweh shining in Washington, meeting or perhaps even exceeding expectations, is going to be a game-changer.
"When I look at this Daronte Jones defense, what drives it? It's pressure. We gotta get after the quarterback. He had 11 sacks last season in an abridged time, post trade from Baltimore, and he looks like a superhero ... That helps up the secondary. So, he's making a lot of money. He's gonna have a huge role in this thing, and again, if he can affect the quarterback, this defense will be rolling."
The signs are positive, but the hard work is just getting started for Oweh and everyone else.
Oweh is a dynamic force. The Commanders also acquired K'Lavon Chaisson, Charles Omenihu, and fifth-round rookie Joshua Josephs this offseason. Dorance Armstrong Jr. is making encouraging progress from a serious knee injury, so this could be a dangerous group if everyone gets a clear run of luck on the health front.
The former Penn State standout will make everything tick. Oweh is getting paid the big bucks, and he has to give Washington a decent return on its investment. His 11-sack year with two clubs in 2025 could be a springboard for brighter fortunes, but it'll be interesting to see how he copes with being the focal point for opposing protection schemes.
The Commanders believe in Oweh. He's left a positive impression before things get more challenging over the summer. If the same trend continues, this could be a massive difference-maker when the regular season arrives.
It's been a long time since the Commanders have had a dominant edge force. They may just have found one in Oweh.
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