Odafe Oweh
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New Commanders edge rusher Odafe Oweh celebrates.
The Washington Commanders made their financial presence felt, signing edge rusher Odafe Oweh to a four-year, $100 million contract. The team did more than just fill a hole. Washington set their new defense in motion. Commanders insider Ben Standig joined the “Grant and Danny Show” to explain the Oweh signing’s link to the new defense.
“The Daronte Jones aspect of all this is huge. You’d like to think that the coaching staff, unlike what we saw last year, could really make a difference from a scheme perspective. ”
Standing, unloading on the former defensive construction, orchestrated by former coordinator Joe Whitt, Jr. Now, the Commanders look to go for it with Oweh as the catalyst upfront. Scheme matters when building a unit to take over and close out games.
Front Seven Key to Jones’ Mayhem-Inducing Scheme
Jones will use the majority of his elements from his mentor, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Up front, the Commanders will operate from a 3-4 look. What does that look like for Oweh? The film reveals the scheme starts with athletics.
Granted, every team desires athletes upfront. However, how the talent gets deployed remains the difference. In Jones’ adaptation, the edges will rush the passer. At the same time, that will not be their sole duty. He will count on Oweh to stop the run by setting the edge, forcing the back inside, where the Commanders will swarm in less open space.
Speed defines Jones’ preferred edge rushers. In Minnesota, team speed translated into both power and physicality at the line of scrimmage. Rather than relying solely on strength, agility and quickness are key to generating pressure.
The idea of a ‘light box’ is also important. The defense believes its front seven can stop the run without needing extra players close to the line. This approach keeps offenses guessing about the Commanders’ next move.
My top pick for the #Commanders in free agency is EDGE Odafe Oweh
17.5 sacks in last two seasons
3 sacks, 2 FF in one playoff game (Patriots)
Won’t turn 28 until December
Would be a demon flying off the edge in Daronte Jones’ new defense. Him and Dorance with Luvu blitzing… pic.twitter.com/s96ZAZNq0v
— Full Command (@CommandersHtt) February 25, 2026
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Newton, Payne Become Oweh’s Instant Support System
Washington signed Oweh to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but the defense’s success will depend on the players directly in front of him. Jones’ scheme doesn’t rely on massive linemen to clog gaps. Instead, Daron Payne and Jer’Zhan Newton must win one-on-one matchups to disrupt plays at the line. Their penetration will push the quarterback outside, giving Oweh a better chance to make a play. The pressure from the middle forms the foundation of the defense.
Jer’Zhan Newton 3 SCK, 5 QBH, 9 TKL vs DAL Yesterday. pic.twitter.com/fmdjlwmDn6 https://t.co/IHQ1fxjogc
— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) December 26, 2025
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Stats Prove Scheme Strengths and Oweh Fit
If Jones fully implements his scheme, Oweh could have another successful season. In three of Flores’ six seasons as a head coach or defensive coordinator, his teams ranked in the top ten for takeaways four times. With Oweh attacking from the edge, he will face plenty of opportunities to disrupt quarterbacks. Even if he doesn’t force fumbles, he can rush and pressure quarterbacks. Last season, the Vikings gave up 200 or more passing yards only four times.
Jones will rely on Oweh’s presence to limit deep passes with effective pressure. In 2025, teams scored only four touchdowns of 30 yards or more against Minnesota. Generally, that’s considered a ‘bend but don’t break’ result. According to Sharp Football, no team blitzed more frequently than the Vikings. The presence of a blitzer can divert attention from Oweh, so he may not face many double teams.
Odafe Oweh
GettyNew Comannders edge rusher OIdafe Oweh tackles Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Oweh’s win rate could make this signing an immediate success. He won 17% of his rushes, ranking tenth in the NFL. The Commanders hope to build on that. Standig summarizes the pressure on Oweh.
It’s one thing to say he can get sacks. It’s another thing to say he can get sacks when the other team is focused on him.
Thanks to the deal mixed with lofty expectations, opponents will focus on Oweh.