Commanders Eye Edge Help: Could Odafe Oweh Be the Spark This Defense Needs?
The Washington Commanders are hitting the reset button on defense, and new general manager Adam Peters has made one thing abundantly clear: the pass rush needs a serious upgrade. After a 2025 season that saw opposing quarterbacks enjoying way too much time in the pocket, Washington is determined to change that narrative - and fast.
Enter Daronte Jones, the team’s new defensive coordinator. Known for his aggressive, attack-minded schemes, Jones brings a system that thrives on pressure.
But schemes are only as good as the personnel running them, and right now, the Commanders are light on proven edge threats. That’s where Peters comes in.
With cap space to work with and a top-10 draft pick in his back pocket, he’s got the tools to reshape this front seven.
Draft or Free Agency? The Answer Might Be Both
At No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, Washington could target one of the top young edge rushers - names like Rueben Bain Jr. or David Bailey are already floating around as potential fits. But rookies, no matter how talented, often need time to adjust. That’s why pairing a young prospect with a veteran who’s in his prime could be the key to accelerating this defensive turnaround.
And that brings us to Odafe Oweh.
Odafe Oweh: A High-Ceiling Edge Hitter with Prime Years Ahead
Oweh is expected to be one of the top edge rushers available when free agency opens, and he checks a lot of boxes for what Washington needs. After posting 10 sacks in 2024 and following that up with 7.5 more last season, the 27-year-old is coming into his own as a disruptive force off the edge. He’s fast, physical, and plays with a motor that just doesn’t quit - exactly the kind of profile that fits Jones’ high-octane defensive vision.
Originally traded from the Ravens to the Chargers before last season’s deadline, Oweh made a strong impression in Los Angeles. Whether the Chargers try to retain him remains to be seen, but if he hits the open market, expect a competitive bidding war. Edge rushers with his combination of production and upside don’t stay unsigned for long.
The Fit in Washington
For the Commanders, Oweh wouldn’t just be a splash signing - he’d be a statement. Pairing him with a top rookie or even a bounce-back candidate already on the roster could give Washington a much-needed edge presence that’s been missing since they moved on from Montez Sweat and Chase Young.
And here’s the kicker: Washington can afford him.
Spotrac projects Oweh’s next deal to be in the range of three years, $57.96 million - about $19.3 million annually. That’s a sizable investment, no doubt, but it’s not top-of-the-market money for a pass rusher. For a team like the Commanders, who have both cap flexibility and a clear need, that price could be well worth it.
Building Something New
This isn’t just about one player. It’s about building a new identity for a defense that lost its bite in 2025.
With Peters calling the shots and Jones designing the blueprint, Washington is laying the groundwork for a more aggressive, disruptive unit. Oweh could be the kind of foundational piece that helps them turn the corner - not just with his talent, but with the tone he sets on the field.
The Commanders have options. They’ll explore the draft.
They’ll scan the free agent market. But don’t be surprised if Oweh is one of the first names circled on Peters’ offseason wish list.
If Washington wants to flip the script on defense, it starts with getting after the quarterback - and Odafe Oweh might just be the guy to lead that charge.