It didn't take long for the Washington Commanders to make a splash in free agency, signing edge rusher Odafe Oweh to a lucrative contract. But with the 2026 NFL Draft fast approaching, this bold move continues to receive criticism from sections of the media.
Adam Peters had to do something. The Commanders' pass rush struggled last season. It was almost nonexistent after Dorance Armstrong Jr.'s breakout campaign ended with a serious knee injury. The general manager had to be aggressive, and Oweh was among the best available options on the market.
After gaining 10.5 sacks last season (including playoffs), Oweh cashed in. He signed a four-year, $96 million contract with a $26 million signing bonus and $68 million guaranteed. It's a massive leap of faith from the Commanders, who are counting on the player to raise his contributions and become a legitimate three-down force to spearhead their defensive renaissance.
Commanders' criticism over Odafe Oweh signing misses Adam Peters' objective
Gary Davenport of The Bleacher Report was less convinced. After placing Oweh among his worst signings in free agency, the analyst didn't think the production he'd put together throughout his career so far justified this sort of financial commitment from Washington. And it could come back to haunt them.
"[Odafe] Oweh had just 13 sacks over the first three seasons of his career combined. He has never been much of a factor against the run—he has hit the 40-tackle mark just once. His 47 pressures and 16.4 percent pass-rush win rate last year per PFF were good, but not great.
"Oweh's average annual salary ranks among the 12 best edge-rushers in the game. His production and talent does not."
Did the Commanders overpay for Oweh? Probably.
Did they desperately need someone like this? Absolutely.
Almost everyone has to pay above the going rate in free agency. Nobody thought Jaelan Phillips would get a four-year, $120 million deal with $80 million guaranteed, but the Carolina Panthers did it anyway. And if the Commanders genuinely believe this is the spark that can ignite more disruption in opposing backfields, they were right to splash the cash.
Oweh's been a situational rusher throughout his career. This sort of money demands much more, and the 2021 first-round pick out of Penn State is working hard to ensure he is ready for this increase in responsibilities.
It's also worth remembering that the Commanders didn't settle for just Oweh either.
K'Lavon Chaisson signed a one-year deal after his breakout season with the New England Patriots. Washington also secured the services of Charles Omenihu, who brings experience and versatility to the depth chart. With Armstrong making encouraging progress, this looks like a potentially prolific quartet.
And if Oweh also meets expectations, the price tag will be irrelevant.
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