The Washington Commanders have finally invested in a long-needed position. Washington and former Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Odafe Oweh have reached an agreement on a four-year, $100 million contract, including $68 million guaranteed, according to reports from ESPN.
Odafe Oweh: Pass Rusher Finally Answered
Adam Peters has made it a priority to find a true No. 1 pass rusher since taking over as general manager in the nation’s capital. Multiple attempts have been made to address the position, but the team has consistently come up short. With their newest addition, the Commanders are getting a young pass rusher who brings speed and explosiveness—key traits for building the foundation of the defense.
He should make a significant impact on a unit that has been lacking in that area since 2020. His ability to generate pressure should complement the rest of the defensive line while giving the Commanders another difference-maker on third downs.
Daronte Jones’ defense will likely resemble that of his former boss, Brian Flores, with an emphasis on speed, aggression, and relentless pass rush. The former Chargers edge rusher fits that mindset perfectly and will join a group that has been missing some of its former luster.
Expect the Commanders to add more help in the front seven. With the NFC becoming more competitive every season, adding a dynamic edge rusher gives Washington another weapon to disrupt opposing offenses and helps the defense take a massive step forward heading into the 2026 offseason.
Oweh’s 2025 season with the Chargers produced solid numbers under Jesse Minter’s unit. After being traded by the Baltimore Ravens, he recorded 28 total tackles (15 solo) and 7.5 sacks, including a three-sack performance in the wild-card round against the New England Patriots.
The signing also reflects the urgency of maximizing the rookie contract window of quarterback Jayden Daniels. With Daniels still on his rookie deal, the Washington Commanders have a valuable opportunity to aggressively build a competitive roster around him before the financial realities of a future quarterback extension arrive. For general manager Adam Peters, strengthening the defense is a critical part of that strategy. A disruptive pass rush led by players like Odafe Oweh can help take pressure off the young quarterback by keeping games manageable and creating favorable field position. If Washington can consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks and force turnovers, it gives Daniels and the offense more opportunities to control the game while the young signal caller continues to develop.
