Adam Peters has money to spend and some significant needs to fill in free agency. The Washington Commanders are also expected to be aggressive, with some intriguing names set to hit the market.
This must start on defense. While there is a need to bolster the firepower around quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Commanders must get younger and more dynamic defensively. And a notable development elsewhere means they will get their shot at one explosive pass-rusher if they deem him a good fit within Daronte Jones' schematic concepts.
The Los Angeles Chargers had two of their premier edge defenders out of contract. However, it seems as if they have made their choice by giving Khalil Mack another one-year commitment.
Khalil Mack deal could give Commanders their shot at Odafe Oweh
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Chargers have re-signed Mack to a one-year deal with $18 million in guaranteed money. While the three-time All-Pro gained just 5.5 sacks last season and is 35 years old now, the AFC West club believes there is one more campaign of sound production left before he potentially hangs up his cleats for good.
That all but confirms Odafe Oweh will at least test free agency. He's younger and far more athletic than Mack, and there should be considerable interest in his services on the free-agent market. Considering the Commanders' need on the defensive edge, they could also throw their hat into the ring.
Oweh has the length and burst Washington should be looking for. While he's spent most of his career as a rotational edge presence, he looks more ready for increased responsibilities. And anyone giving him a lofty financial commitment in free agency will be demanding precisely that.
The Commanders re-signed Deatrich Wise Jr. and Drake Jackson to fortify their defensive end depth. Dorance Armstrong Jr. will play an important role if he makes a successful return from injury. However, they don't have a legitimate game-wrecker capable of consistently causing havoc in opposing backfields.
That's where Oweh comes in. His bend, speed off the snap, and ability to create leverage put opposing offensive tackles on the back foot. He's improved his ability to turn chances into sacks, and the trajectory is firmly pointing up, having recently turned 27.
There will be competition for Oweh; lots of it. But the promise of an integral role and Washington's surplus salary-cap space make them potential big players in the sweepstakes if those in power have their sights set on the 2021 first-round pick out of Penn State.
Mack's new deal suggests Oweh will be calling somewhere else home in 2026. And it just might be Washington.