Odafe Oweh (98)
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New Washington Commanders $100 million edge-rusher Odafe Oweh revealed defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' plan.
Few players available in 2026 NFL free agency cashed in as well as Odafe Oweh, when he signed a deal worth $100 million with the Washington Commanders, but the outside linebacker revealed what sold him on the move was the team’s plan for him in new coordinator Daronte Jones’ defense.
Speaking on Saturday, March 14, the day he signed the contract with his new team, Oweh outlined key discussions he had about what Jones is planning. As the former Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers edge-rusher put it, “I’m versatile, and if I’m put in any type of situation, any type of scheme, I know I’m going to find a way to create production. They really let me know how they saw me fitting on this defense in terms of just being able to find those one-on-one matchups… I just want to get after the passer and produce and make big plays for my team,” per Locked on Commanders host David Harrison.
David Harrison
What Daronte Jones says he wants his Commanders’ defense to be fits Odafe Oweh perfectly. “I’m versatile, and if I’m put in any type of situation, any type of scheme, I know I’m going to find a way to create production,” he said today.
“They really let me know how they saw me
Oweh making Jones’ strategies work will increase the burden on the player to justify his hefty contract. To do that, Oweh must be the pass-rusher who logged 10.5 sacks during less than a full season with the Chargers in 2025. Not the one who often struggled to justify his draft status as a first-round pick with the Ravens.
Fortunately, Oweh believes his game is on an upward trend. The 27-year-old admitted, “he’s gained a better understanding of playing to down/distance and knowing when to use certain moves,” according to ESPN’s John Keim.
John Keim
Odafe Oweh signed his contract this morning. He said as a pass rusher, he’s gained a better understanding of playing to down/distance and knowing when to use certain moves. “I’m versatile,” he said. “I know I’ll find a way to create production.”
The light may have finally gone on for Oweh, but he’ll benefit more from Jones’ schemes, along with the other disruptors the Commanders have added during free agency.
Odafe Oweh Needs Scheme Help
Jones helped creative play-caller Brian Flores design defenses for the Minnesota Vikings, under creative play-caller Brian Flores, a mix of diverse blitz packages in front of Chameleon-like coverages. A similar scheme can help Oweh make the grade in Washington.
Oweh will need the boost if he’s going to establish the consistency that’s eluded him for most of his career. The player drafted 31st overall in 2021 has logged double-digit sacks just once during the regular season, and Oweh’s inability to turn breakout potential into elite production led to the Ravens trading him to the Chargers last October.
Landing in the AFC West saw Oweh finally perform on a level commensurate with his athletic gifts. He’s always been highly regarded as a skilled pass-rusher with a thoughtful plan featuring a myriad of moves, but Oweh at last delivered the numbers to match the hype when he put up 7.5 sacks in 12 games for the Chargers, before a three-sack game against the New England Patriots in the playoffs.
While he took his game up a level, Oweh also benefited from playing on the same front as nine-time Pro Bowler and former Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack. There’s no Mack in Washington, but the Commanders have at least restocked their pass-rush room with some proven commodities.
Commanders Have Reloaded Pass Rush
Keeping consistent heat on quarterbacks shouldn’t be a problem now the Commanders can pair Oweh with a participant in last season’s Super Bowl who’s rated as a major steal in free agency.
Similar praise can also be attributed to a versatile former member of the Kansas City Chiefs. A defensive end who can win off the edge and also slide inside to generate pressure.
These newcomers will give Jones what he needs to manufacture the one-on-one pass-rush opportunities Oweh was promised. It will take a collective approach underpinned by flexibility, but Oweh will be the central figure.
If he turns facing single blocking into dominance of the pass-pocket, the Commanders will have something special brewing on defense.