Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters looked at the roster at the start of the offseason and saw the holes. Subsequently, he methodically filled the needs at all levels, in different positions on both sides of the ball. However, an anonymous NFL executive appeared lukewarm on the roster approach in quotes to The Athletic.
“They filled them with a league-high seven newcomers earning at least $6.5 million per year.”
Peters signed players according to the expanding salary cap. For example, in 2015, the league salary cap was $143,280,000. This season, the cap sits at $301.2 million. As a result, the Commanders adjusted to the times. They paid the equivalent of market value.
“You kind of get what you pay for with those $6 million-$8 million guys,” an exec said. “They are fringe starters. It makes some sense. You gotta fill out your roster. They had to get younger.’”
K’Lavon Chiasson enjoyed a three-sack postseason, including one in the Super Bowl. Leo Chenal was the one player that Andy Reid wanted to keep. He played out of position in the Super Bowl, setting the edge for the Kansas City Chiefs as they defeated the San Francisco 49ers. On top of that, Chig Okonkwo thrived in a run-heavy offense with a rookie quarterback and a lack of outside receiving threats.
Odafe Oweh improved after leaving Baltimore, placed on a team that emphasized his abilities to get after the quarterback. New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones wants to do the exact same thing. As a protege of Brian Flores, Jones wants to attack offenses and not wait for the opponent to dictate.
What does edge rusher Odafe Oweh bring to the Washington Commanders?
-Freakish athleticism
-Understanding of rush plan and setting up moves
-Coverage abilityFull breakdown: https://t.co/c4S3K8y8QY pic.twitter.com/TvbIjKghGE
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) March 10, 2026
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Is Oweh More than a Situational Piece?
The anonymous executive continues to discuss Oweh. Additionally, the comment seems to question his role.
“Those are rotational pieces,” an exec said. “Oweh is more of a DPR (designated pass rusher) than an every-down guy, a little hit and miss. But they needed some speed on defense.”
Oweh ranked No. 15 in Pro Football Focus’ top pass-rushing edge defenders. Even still, his run-stopping claimed the No. 53 spot. Under those circumstances, why not play him on non-passing downs? Limiting him as a defensive pass rusher would not help the Commanders. Jones wants his front active against both the pass and the run.
Leading off “My Guys, FA 2026”
EDGE Odafe Oweh
6-5, 251 • 6th yearLast 7 Games, 2025:
•30 QB pressures
•6.5 QB sacks
•22.5% pressure rate
•2 forced fumblesOweh has 16 sacks over his last 25 games. @997TheFox • #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/Rfzyhp49Jk
— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) March 9, 2026
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Settle Signing Pleases Doubters
Tim Settle returns to Washington after stints in Buffalo and Houston. An anonymous general manager praised the Commanders.
“One under-the-radar signing to watch: defensive lineman Tim Settle, who spent his first four seasons in D.C. after Washington drafted him in 2018.
“Settle was Houston’s best run defender, the interior guy who knocks people back,” one exec said. “I would have loved to have had him. He’s a Virginia Tech kid, from Virginia, so that was what it was.”
Settle brings a blend of pass-rush and strong run-stuffing. The Commander will run a 3-4 defense or a base that deploys three defensive linemen. Jer’Zhan Newton and Daron Payne are the set starters. Settle could slide into the third spot.
Whether an anonymous executive likes the moves or not, the Commanders spent $80.1 million in free agency. Peters staked his job and the franchise’s immediate future on these moves.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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