Odafe Oweh Signs Major Contract
“Oweh was expected to generate a lot of interest in free agency,” a source close to the situation stated, reflecting the anticipation surrounding the young edge rusher’s future. On March 9, 2026, Odafe Oweh signed a four-year contract with the Washington Commanders, valued at $100 million, with $68 million guaranteed. This contract ranks 12th among NFL edge defenders in average annual value, showcasing the Commanders’ commitment to bolstering their defense.
Oweh’s journey to this significant contract has been marked by ups and downs. Originally drafted as a first-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2021 NFL Draft, Oweh faced challenges in his early career. He recorded zero sacks in his first five games of the 2025 NFL season with the Ravens, which led to a trade to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for safety Alohi Gilman. With the Chargers, Oweh found his footing, recording 7.5 sacks in just 12 games during the 2025 season.
The Washington Commanders, who ranked 24th in pressure rate last season, were in dire need of defensive reinforcements. “The Commanders needed help for a defense that gave up the most yards in the NFL last season,” noted a team analyst. Oweh’s arrival is expected to significantly impact the team’s defensive performance, as he has accumulated 30.5 sacks over five seasons in the NFL.
Despite his struggles early in the 2025 season, Oweh’s potential was evident. He had previously recorded 10 sacks two seasons ago with the Ravens, demonstrating his ability to be a game-changer on the field. His 17.5 sacks since 2024 rank him 19th in the NFL, and his 52 pressures in 2025 placed him tied for 24th in the league.
Oweh’s contract not only reflects his talent but also the Commanders’ strategy to improve their defensive lineup. With only 27 starts in his NFL career to date, Oweh has shown flashes of brilliance that the Commanders hope to harness moving forward. His performance will be closely monitored as he transitions into this new role.
As the Commanders prepare for the upcoming season, the expectations for Oweh are high. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if he can replicate his success with the Chargers and become a cornerstone of the Commanders’ defense. The team is banking on Oweh to elevate their defensive capabilities and help turn around a unit that has struggled in recent years.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full implications of Oweh’s contract on the Commanders’ salary cap and future roster decisions. However, the signing marks a significant step for both Oweh and the organization as they look to build a more competitive team in the NFL.
