The Washington Commanders need Odafe Oweh to be an elite edge rusher this season. General manager Adam Peters placed a significant wager on this scenario becoming reality, and the free-agent signing is relishing the challenge.
Joint practice with the Miami Dolphins was the first chance for Oweh to showcase what he could do against someone other than his teammates. And it's safe to say he left everyone in Ashburn impressed.
The Dolphins aren't expected to make any great shakes this season, especially on the offensive side of the football. Even so, the level of dominance displayed by Daronte Jones' defense was nothing short of extraordinary from start to finish.
Commanders DL won 1-on-1s against Dolphins OL.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) August 12, 2026
Aaron Brewer had some good battles, but Daron Payne beat Jonah Savaiinaea, Odafe Oweh got around Patrick Paul, who later committed a hold. Javon Kinlaw used a swim move to get around Kadyn Proctor. K’Lavon Chaisson got around…
Odafe Oweh's dominance was on full display in Commanders' joint practice with the Dolphins
Oweh led from the front. He was a constant menace flying off the edge. The former Penn State phenom would have secured multiple sacks in a typical game-day environment. His gap discipline against the run was on point, blowing up plays when the Dolphins tried anything off-tackle with ruthless efficiency.
Bigger tests are obviously on the way. But if Oweh wanted to leave a mark, he achieved this objective and then some.
The Commanders made Oweh their highest priority when the legal tampering window opened. They weren't alone, but a four-year, $96 million deal with a $26 million signing bonus and $68 million guaranteed was enough to secure his services.
Was it an overpay? Maybe. But if Oweh has the impact expected, his influence will be priceless.
Odafe Oweh has like 4 sacks today lol he’s a BEAST out here right now.
— Josh Taylor (@JoshTaylorFB) August 12, 2026
Oweh wasn't alone in catching the eye versus Miami. Almost everyone on the starting defense left a considerable mark. Jones' vision came to life, and the Dolphins simply had no answer.
It's early days, but it already looks like Washington's new-look defense is going to be a problem. Oweh will have bigger responsibilities on his shoulders than most, but he's got the athletic intangibles and overall burst to meet them.
This represents a journey into the unknown for Oweh and the Commanders. He's moving from a situational rusher to a three-down force. There's a chance he cannot meet expectations, especially with the money attached, but the support system around him is in place to make a success of this big-money move.
Oweh is a game-wrecker in every sense of the term. Any Dolphins lineman unfortunate to have come up against him during joint practice won't forget it in a hurry. And if he takes this sort of electrifying playmaking to Washington's defense when the real action arrives, this will be an outstanding piece of business.
The Commanders wanted to get younger, faster, and more physical this offseason. Oweh is the embodiment of this seismic shift, and the traits he's already displayed have the scope to completely transform Washington's fortunes.
Fans will be hoping this trend continues long into the future.
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