Commanders Agree to Deal with Odafe Oweh, Adding Juice to Pass Rush

The four-year contract worth up to $100 million brings the former Ravens standout to Washington.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Washington Commanders have agreed to sign edge rusher Odafe Oweh to a four-year free agent contract worth up to $100 million, according to multiple league sources. Oweh was previously traded from the Baltimore Ravens to the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025, where he had a breakout season with 7.5 sacks in 12 games and added 3 more in the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Commanders are looking to bolster their pass rush after a disappointing 2025 season, and the addition of Oweh, a former first-round pick, gives them a young and talented edge rusher to build around on defense.

The details

Oweh was originally drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. After a solid rookie season, he took a step forward in 2024 with 10 sacks. However, he struggled early in 2025 with the Ravens, leading to a midseason trade to the Chargers. Under Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, Oweh flourished, recording 7.5 sacks in 12 games and 3 more in the playoffs.

  • Oweh was drafted by the Ravens in the 2021 NFL Draft.
  • In 2024, Oweh recorded 10 sacks with the Ravens.
  • Oweh struggled early in the 2025 season with the Ravens, leading to a trade to the Chargers on October 7, 2025.
  • With the Chargers in 2025, Oweh had 7.5 sacks in 12 games and added 3 more in the playoffs.

The players

Odafe Oweh

A rising edge rusher who was originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. After a breakout 2024 season with the Ravens, he was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025 where he thrived under a new defensive coordinator.

Washington Commanders

An NFL team based in Washington, D.C. that is looking to improve their pass rush after a disappointing 2025 season.

Baltimore Ravens

The NFL team that drafted Odafe Oweh in the first round in 2021 and traded him to the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025.

Los Angeles Chargers

The NFL team that acquired Odafe Oweh via trade from the Baltimore Ravens in 2025, where he had a breakout season under their defensive coordinator.

Jesse Minter

The defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025 who helped Odafe Oweh thrive after being traded from the Ravens.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Oweh was a dominant force for us last season and we're excited to see what he can do in our defense.”

— Ron Rivera, Head Coach, Washington Commanders (Washington Post)

“Odafe is one of the most talented young pass rushers in the league, and we're thrilled to add him to our team.”

— Martin Mayhew, General Manager, Washington Commanders (ESPN)

What’s next

The Commanders will look to integrate Oweh into their defense during the offseason program and training camp as they aim to improve their pass rush for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Commanders' signing of Odafe Oweh to a lucrative free agent deal shows their commitment to upgrading their defense and building around young, talented players. Oweh's breakout 2025 season with the Chargers has positioned him as one of the top edge rushers in the league, and the Commanders are hoping he can bring that same level of production to Washington.