Commanders Gamble Big on Odafe Oweh's Potential

Washington's $100 million investment in the pass rusher raises concerns about his consistency.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:34am

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the raw power and movement of NFL pass rushers, conveying the high-stakes nature of the Commanders' investments in Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson.The Commanders' high-stakes gamble on two dynamic but inconsistent pass rushers could define the team's defensive outlook for years to come.Los Angeles Today

The Washington Commanders have made a major investment in edge rusher Odafe Oweh, signing him to a four-year, $100 million contract. However, some around the NFL have expressed doubts about Oweh's ability to be an every-down player, describing him as more of a 'designated pass rusher' than a consistent force. The Commanders are also paying a premium for another high-priced free agent, K'Lavon Chaisson, who is coming off a breakout year with the New England Patriots.

Why it matters

The Commanders are betting big that Oweh and Chaisson can transform their defense, but there are concerns about whether they can live up to their lucrative contracts. If the two pass rushers fail to produce at a high level, it could be a costly mistake for the team.

The details

Oweh has posted just two seasons with double-digit sacks in his pro career so far, leading one unnamed executive to tell The Athletic's Mike Sando that 'Oweh is more of a DPR (designated pass rusher) than an every-down guy, a little hit and miss.' The Commanders are hoping Oweh can replicate his late-season surge with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he recorded 7.5 sacks in 12 games and added three more in the playoffs. Chaisson is also looking to build on a breakout year, but the Commanders are taking a risk by paying him a premium after a contract-year performance.

  • Oweh was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers in October 2025.
  • Oweh recorded 7.5 sacks in 12 games with the Chargers and 3 more in the playoffs.
  • Chaisson signed a one-year deal with the Commanders this offseason after a breakout year with the Patriots.

The players

Odafe Oweh

A pass rusher who the Commanders signed to a four-year, $100 million contract this offseason. Oweh has shown flashes of dominance but has struggled with consistency throughout his career so far.

K'Lavon Chaisson

Another high-priced free agent signing by the Commanders, Chaisson is coming off a breakout year with the New England Patriots and is looking to prove he can be a consistent force on the edge.

Adam Peters

The Commanders' general manager who has been criticized for overpaying for Oweh and Chaisson this offseason.

Dan Quinn

The Commanders' head coach who is tasked with getting the most out of the team's new pass-rushing duo.

Daronte Jones

The Commanders' new defensive coordinator, who is implementing a pressure-heavy 3-4 scheme that is relying on Oweh and Chaisson to succeed.

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What’s next

The Commanders will be closely monitoring Oweh and Chaisson's performance throughout the 2026 season to see if their big investments pay off. If the two pass rushers struggle, it could put significant pressure on the team's new defensive coordinator, Daronte Jones, to find ways to maximize their potential.

The takeaway

The Commanders are taking a major gamble by investing heavily in Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson this offseason. While both players have shown flashes of brilliance, there are concerns about their consistency and ability to be every-down impact players. If the two pass rushers fail to live up to their lucrative contracts, it could be a costly mistake that sets the Commanders' defense back for years to come.