Analyst thinks Commanders made $100 million gamble in free agency

Dec 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh (98) celebrates a sack against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders have been big players in free agency, as the franchise has been a huge spender for Dan Quinn.

Mostly on defense, there appears to be a path forward for Washington, and it sees the defense get a complete overhaul.

One big name was pass rusher Odafe Oweh, who Washington signed to a four-year, $100 million deal, which some think was a great move. Some think otherwise.

In his latest piece for Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame has named the pass rush market as a loser of free agency, citing the Commanders' big gamble on Oweh.

"Finally, while Odafe Oweh makes the most sense of the bunch, Washington is taking a big chance by paying him $100 million over four years," Verderame wrote. "Oweh is coming off 7.5 sacks in 2025, splitting time with the Ravens and Chargers. The year before, he had 10 sacks in Baltimore. At 27 years old, there’s a case where Oweh is worth that money, but he’s had 20-plus quarterback hits once in his career. It’s a massive gamble."

More: Analyst hints Rams could complete dream scenario in 2026

Is Oweh a gamble?

You could easily view it as such.

But then again, aren't all free agency signings a gamble? Teams are hoping to get the same production they saw from that player at his previous team and are willing to pay big money for it.

The Commanders needed pass rush help, and they got it. Yes, they had to pay a high price, but if Oweh comes into Quinn's defense and is a game-changer, it will be worth the money.

Of course, he might not be the star many think he could be, and yes, the move is a gamble.

But right now, it is all a prediction, and Oweh has been productive in the past couple of seasons.

And Washington is taking a gamble that he will be able to produce for them in a big way in 2026.

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