Commanders Make Statement with Two Contracts Among NFL Most Notable Deals

The Washington Commanders have emerged as one of the NFL most aggressive organizations this offseason, with two of their marquee contracts earning recognition among the 15 most notable deals across the entire league according to CBS Sports salary cap analyst Joel Corry.

General manager Adam Peters has orchestrated a comprehensive roster overhaul since March began, re-signing key internal free agents while adding 12 outside players to significantly reshape the franchise competitive outlook.

The organization ambition extended beyond successful acquisitions, as Washington actively pursued several high-profile targets who ultimately chose other destinations. The Commanders made serious runs at wide receiver Alec Pierce, who returned to Indianapolis on a four-year, $114 million deal, and center Tyler Linderbaum, who reset the position market with a three-year, $81 million extension.

Linderbaum deal shattered previous center market standards, averaging $27 million annually compared to Creed Humphrey previous high-water mark of $18 million per year.

Among Washington successful signings, left tackle Laremy Tunsil extension stands as the most groundbreaking achievement. The self-represented veteran became the first offensive lineman in NFL history to average $30 million per season, continuing his pattern of market-setting contracts.

Tunsil has consistently pushed positional boundaries throughout his career, becoming the first offensive lineman to reach $20 million annually in 2020 and $25 million in 2023. His strategic approach involves shorter-term deals that allow him to capitalize on evolving market conditions.

"His preference has been to sign shorter term deals (no longer than three-year extensions) so he can continually reap the benefit of changing market conditions," Corry noted in his analysis.

The two-year structure ensures Tunsil can potentially reset the market again in 2028 when he turns 33, assuming his performance remains at elite levels. Washington willingness to establish new precedents reflects their commitment to protecting quarterback Jayden Daniels, whose development remains the franchise primary objective.

Edge rusher Odafe Oweh four-year, $96 million contract also earned inclusion on Corry prestigious list, representing Washington attempt to address their most glaring defensive weakness.

The Commanders pass rush suffered dramatically after Dorance Armstrong tore his right ACL seven games into the 2025 season, creating an urgent need for proven production opposite their existing personnel.

Oweh represents a calculated risk that could pay enormous dividends if he maintains the form he displayed following his trade from Baltimore to the Los Angeles Chargers. He recorded 7.5 sacks in 12 games with the Chargers, then added three more in their wild-card playoff loss to New England.

"It will be money well spent if the Commanders get the Oweh who had 7.5 sacks in 12 games after the Los Angeles Chargers acquired him from the Baltimore Ravens," Corry explained.

While Oweh has been consistently solid throughout his five NFL seasons, his best performances came in 2024 and 2025, suggesting he may just be reaching his prime years.

"Clearly, the Commanders believe Oweh is just scratching the surface. If they right, this could end up looking like a bargain," Corry added.

The risk inherent in both contracts reflects the modern NFL reality where championship-caliber teams must make aggressive moves to secure elite talent. Peters has demonstrated willingness to establish new market standards when necessary to improve critical positions.

Washington comprehensive offseason approach extends beyond these headline contracts, as the organization has systematically addressed roster needs while maintaining financial flexibility for future moves.

The franchise aggressive spending reflects confidence in their current trajectory under new leadership and suggests they view the upcoming season as a genuine opportunity to compete for playoff positioning.

Both Tunsil and Oweh deals will face scrutiny throughout the 2026 season, but Washington front office believes these investments represent essential steps toward sustained competitiveness in an increasingly demanding NFC East division.