Edge rusher Odafe Oweh turned a strong finish to the 2025 season into a major payday, agreeing to a four-year, $100 million contract with the Washington Commanders, according to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. The deal includes $68 million in guaranteed money and places Oweh among the better-paid pass rushers in the league, with an average annual value similar to players such as Montez Sweat and Nik Bonitto.
Oweh’s path to this contract was shaped by a midseason change of scenery. The former first-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2021 was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers prior to Week 6 in exchange for safety Alohi Gilman and a Day 3 draft pick. Once in Los Angeles, Oweh quickly found his footing in defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s system, thriving opposite veteran pass rusher Khalil Mack. Over the remainder of the season, Oweh recorded 7.5 sacks and posted a 17.3 percent quarterback pressure rate, emerging as a key contributor to the Chargers’ defense.
He delivered his most dominant performance in the postseason during Wild Card Weekend against the New England Patriots, when he sacked rookie quarterback Drake Maye three times and forced two fumbles in a standout defensive effort.
The late-season surge capped an impressive two-year stretch for Oweh. After posting a career-high 10 sacks with Baltimore in 2024, he continued to show growth in 2025, particularly after his move to Los Angeles.
Washington ultimately emerged as the most aggressive suitor for the 26-year-old, using its available cap space to land a player it believes can anchor its pass rush. Oweh joins a defensive front that includes defensive tackle Daron Payne and edge rusher Dorance Armstrong. Even during a difficult 2025 season, veterans such as Von Miller were still able to produce in Washington’s system, with Miller recording nine sacks at age 36.
After finishing last in the league in total defense in 2025, head coach Dan Quinn enters the 2026 season facing pressure to turn the unit around. The signing of Oweh represents a significant investment and a clear attempt to strengthen the Commanders’ pass rush as they look to rebound defensively.
