Commanders crushed for $96 million free agency overpay

The Washington Commanders have come into the offseason with a clear plan, and that was to bolster their defensive ranks.

And the franchise did that, with several key moves being made.

But one thing we know about the first wave of NFL free agency is that prices are at an all-time high because teams are clamoring to get the best players.

And for Washington, it signed edge rusher Odafe Oweh to a four-year, $96 million deal.

A move that Bleacher Report's Garvy Davenport isn't a fan of and has called a huge overpay.

"The Washington Commanders had a glaring need to get better on the edge after just one player on the team had six sacks last year," Davenport wrote. "It will take a career year from Oweh in 2026 to justify almost $70 million in guarantees. That's not especially likely given the lack of talent around him up front in Washington."

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Oweh under pressure to justify price tag

Players getting paid handsomely is something I'm always on board with, but it comes with a harsh reality attached to it.

Now, Oweh has to justify that hefty price tag by performing on game day.

Davenport suggests a career year has to be forthcoming from Odafe, which would be getting more than 10 sacks. Is that doable? Possibly.

With Dan Quinn wanting a revamped defense, maybe Oweh can lead the defensive charge in 2026?

He's paid like a top edge rusher, and now, in 2026, he'll have to do his best to perform like one.

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