The Big Fish: Odafe Oweh and the Defensive Revamp
The headline move was the massive 4-year, $100 million deal for edge rusher Odafe Oweh. Peters and head coach Dan Quinn wanted youth and speed. They got it. Oweh, just 27, arrives in Ashburn after a dominant two-year stretch where he racked up 21.5 sacks. While some critics pointed to his inconsistent pressure rates in the past, Quinn’s scheme is built to let athletes like Oweh hunt. PFF gave the move a C+ due to the high price tag, but the tape suggests Oweh is entering his prime at the perfect moment for a Washington team eyeing a deep playoff run.
It wasn’t just about the defense, though. Washington secured the blindside by extending superstar tackle Laremy Tunsil. Protecting Daniels is the top priority, and Tunsil remains an elite wall, posting an 88.9 pass-block grade in 2025. The front office also brought back reliable veterans like Andrew Wylie and punter Tress Way, ensuring the locker room culture remains intact while the “new juice” arrives.
NFC East Standings: Week 1 Free Agency WAR Added
| Team | NFL Rank | WAR Added | Key Move |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Commanders | 5 | 1.39 | Odafe Oweh (EDGE) |
| Dallas Cowboys | 7 | 1.05 | Rashan Gary (Trade) |
| New York Giants | 16 | 0.69 | Roster Depth |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 26 | 0.41 | Retention focused |
“The expectations are high for 2026. We aren’t just trying to compete; we are building a foundation that wins in January. Adding guys like Odafe and keeping Laremy shows that the front office is all-in on what we’re building here.”
— Andrew Wylie, Commanders Offensive Lineman
What’s Next: The Draft Looming
While the Commanders took the Week 1 crown, the job is far from over. By letting Marshon Lattimore go, Washington created a hole in the secondary that Amik Robertson can’t fill alone. Expect Peters to be aggressive in the second wave of free agency for safety help or to use their premium draft capital on a shutdown corner. The Eagles and Cowboys played it safe this week, likely banking on the draft to fill their gaps, but Washington has the momentum. The vibe in Ashburn is electric, and for the first time in a decade, the Commanders look like the smartest guys in the room.
