Odafe Oweh has significant responsibilities on his shoulders and a lofty price tag to justify. The Washington Commanders needed to make a big splash on the defensive edge, and the free agent's arrival could be the spark that ignites Daronte Jones' unit to improved fortunes.
The Commanders gave Oweh a four-year, $100 million deal with $68 million in guaranteed money. He was widely regarded as one of the best free-agent options on the market, but being paid this much dictates the need to become a legitimate three-down force.
This sentiment was echoed by one NFL analyst, who outlined attainable objectives for Oweh to ensure the Commanders get the most value from this financial commitment.
NFL analyst sets attainable goals for Odafe Oweh after big-money Commanders switch
Douglas Fritz of Clutch Points gave the Commanders' signing of Oweh an A grade. The analyst thought he had the physical scope to be impactful. If he can generate pressure consistently, it'll be money well spent from Washington's perspective.
"This turned out to be the Commanders’ big fish. At least the money says that. [Odafe] Oweh doesn’t have to be elite to make this deal pop. He just needs to be above average. And he has the talent to do that. If he can get double-digit sacks, great. But he really just needs to put consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks."
Oweh won't have to do it alone, either. The Commanders also signed K'Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu in free agency. Dorance Armstrong Jr. should have a role to play after he fully recovers from a serious knee injury. Washington could also acquire another pass-rusher during the 2026 NFL Draft for good measure.
That said, Oweh is being paid as a top-tier edge now. He needs to start playing like one.
There were encouraging signs last season, especially after his trade to the Los Angeles Chargers before the 2025 deadline. The 2021 first-round pick out of Penn State only played 50 percent of snaps, so there is a good chance the Commanders will be putting much more on his plate.
At 27, Owen is still firmly in his prime. This is an investment in the future as well as the present. General manager Adam Peters had the salary-cap space to be a little bolder this offseason. He might have spent more than the player was projected to receive on the open market. But to get the best, you have to pay up accordingly.
Besides, if Oweh performs as the Commanders expect, and he manages to completely shift the landscape of Washington's defense, nobody will be complaining about what it cost to get him into the franchise.