Grading the signing: Commanders make free agency splash by signing EDGE Odafe Oweh to massive contract

The Commanders fill their biggest need on EDGE by paying the price on top free agent Odafe Oweh.

Adam Holt, Josh Taylor
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The Washington Commanders were expected to make fireworks in free agency, and we finally have our first notable signing of the offseason.

After signing CB Amik Robertson, we all waited for a major splash, and the first is a massive boost for the defense. The Commanders ignored the EDGE position last offseason, but it was their top priority in free agency after agreeing with pass rusher Odafe Oweh on a loaded four-year, $100 million contract.

That’s a big bag to throw at a player, but was it the right move to make for general manager Adam Peters?

The Commanders land top pass-rushing free agent Odafe Oweh

Oweh was the No. 8 overall free agent according to PFF, and the second-best EDGE free agent just behind Trey Hendrickson. This is a massive signing, and builds the defense’s biggest need at EDGE, but also the biggest need of young players to build around with Oweh being just 27 years old. A to Z Sports beat writer Adam Holt outlined Oweh as a top free agent and a player on the rise.

“The Bolts traded for Oweh from the Ravens last season, and that move paid off in a big way. The pass rusher totaled 8 sacks in twelve games for Los Angeles and was a consistent force in getting to the quarterback. At just 27 years old, he is one of the top EDGE rushers on the open market and can be the missing piece to an impressive DL unit. While Oweh’s career got off to a slow start in Baltimore, his development has definitely taken steps forward as he crafts a more diverse tree of moves to get after QBs. He has risk involved with his FA profile, but the potential is very exciting here.” – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports

Grading the Commanders’ signing of EDGE Odafe Oweh

The Commanders bringing in Oweh checks off a lot of boxes, and he showed so many flashes when he joined the Chargers. Eight sacks and 35 pressures in 12 games on a new defense isn’t something to just overlook. He also had the sixth-highest pressure rate in the NFL at 17.3% after he joined the Chargers in Week 6.

Oweh also only missed two tackles in those 12 games with the Charges, which is insane when you think about it. He’s also very stout in the run game at 6-5, 260 pounds, and he’ll bring power and speed off the EDGE in Washington. This is a franchise player to build around, who is hitting his prime as he turned 27 two months ago. It’s impossible not to love this move, and it leaves options wide open with the No. 7 overall pick.

Grade: A

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