Commanders Sign Former Chargers Pass Rusher Odafe Oweh

Washington lands one of the top free agents with a 4-year, $100 million deal.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Washington Commanders have agreed to terms with former Chargers and Ravens edge defender Odafe Oweh, signing him to a 4-year, $100 million contract with $68 million guaranteed. Oweh, 27, recorded 10 sacks in 2024 and 7.5 sacks in 12 games with the Chargers last season. The Commanders were in need of pass rushing help and landed one of the top free agents available.

Why it matters

The Commanders' defense struggled to generate consistent pressure last season, so adding an explosive pass rusher like Oweh should significantly improve their ability to disrupt opposing offenses. At 27 years old, Oweh is entering the prime of his career and the Commanders are betting big that he can continue his development into an elite edge defender.

The details

Oweh was the 31st overall pick by the Ravens in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Penn State. After recording 13 sacks over his first three seasons, he broke out with 10 sacks in 2024 before being traded to the Chargers last season, where he had 7.5 sacks and 13 QB hits in 12 games. The Commanders are hoping he can build on that production and become a dominant force on their defensive line.

  • The Commanders agreed to terms with Oweh on March 9, 2026, the first day of the new NFL league year.

The players

Odafe Oweh

A 27-year-old edge defender who has spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Ravens and Chargers, recording 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons.

Laremy Tunsil

The Commanders' starting left tackle, who agreed to a 2-year, $60 million contract extension to keep him in Washington through 2028.

Amik Robertson

A former Lions cornerback who signed a 2-year, $16 million contract with the Commanders in free agency.

Marcus Mariota

The Commanders' starting quarterback, who was re-signed to a 1-year contract.

Tim Settle

A former Redskins fifth-round pick who is joining the Commanders on a 3-year, $24 million contract to provide depth on the defensive line.

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What’s next

The Commanders still need to address other defensive needs, particularly at linebacker, and could look to the draft to further bolster their pass rush and offensive weapons.

The takeaway

By signing Odafe Oweh to a lucrative long-term deal, the Commanders have made a major investment in upgrading their pass rush, which should significantly improve their defense and give them a better chance to compete in the NFC East.