While it might be smart to reserve judgment on the 4-year, $100 million contract the Washington Commanders gave to edge rusher Odafe Oweh in free agency, the early reviews have been pretty damning.
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport recently called Oweh’s contract, which included almost $70 million in guaranteed money, the NFL’s “Worst Free Agent Signing” — not a list you ever want your big-money deals to end up on.
“The Washington Commanders can’t be faulted for targeting a pass-rusher in free agency—the team had 42 sacks in 2025, but the leading edge-rusher in that category was 37-year-old Von Miller,” Davenport wrote. ” … Oweh had just 13 sacks over the first three seasons of his career combined. He has never been much of a factor against the run—he has hit the 40-tackle mark just once. His 47 pressures and 16.4 percent pass-rush win rate last year per PFF were good, but not great. Oweh’s average annual salary ranks among the 12 best edge-rushers in the game. His production and talent does not.”
Oweh Went From 1st Round Pick to Disposable
The Baltimore Ravens saw enough of Oweh, their 2021 1st round pick (No. 31 overall), that they decided they didn’t want to see any more of him just 5 games into the 2025 regular season.
The Ravens, in more of a “We Give Up” move than anything else, traded Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers for safety Alohi Gilman and a 7th-round pick, and weren’t any worse for it.
While Oweh reclaimed his season with the Chargers and wound up with 7.5 sacks in 2025, he didn’t even become a full-time starter in Los Angeles.
That mattered little to the Commanders.
“Former Chargers DE Odafe Oweh reached agreement today on a four-year, $100 million deal including $68 million guaranteed with the Washington Commanders,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on his official X account on March 9.
Commanders Fans Hated Oweh’s Massive Contract
Reaction from the Commanders fans was swift — and damning.
“The Washington Commanders just handed Odafe Oweh $100 MILLION with $68M guaranteed and we’re supposed to act like that’s normal??” NFL influencer Olakunle Beloved wrote on their official X account. “One massive contract and suddenly everyone’s acting like this fixes everything. NFL front offices throw around insane money and fans are expected to just clap for it. Commanders fans… is this actually a great move or another overpay waiting to age badly?”
It’s a massive bet by the Commanders on the 6-foot-5, 251-pound Oweh, although he may not have even been the team’s 1st choice in free agency.
“Washington adds youth and length by signing Oweh,” ESPN’s John Keim wrote. “He’s 27 years old, 6-foot-5 and athletic. The Commanders needed all those attributes along the front. Washington lacked quality depth at edge, so this is a move that was sorely needed. They will get Dorance Armstrong back off a torn ACL, but the Commanders needed more. Washington attempted to sign Jaelan Phillips and inquired on Boye Mafe, but the Commanders are betting big on Owen being an ascending player. He’s recorded 17.5 sacks the past two seasons combined. He plays with good strength.”
Commanders’ $100 Million Contract Called NFL’s Worst Free Agent Signing