The Kansas City Chiefs' pass rush was in dire need of a reset after a forgettable 2025 performance. After finishing tied for the seventh-fewest sacks (35) last season, the Chiefs had no issue allowing pass rushers to hit the open market, resulting in Charles Omenihu's signing a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders worth $4 million (including $3.3 million in guarantees).
It made sense for the Chiefs to turn the page on the struggling pass rusher, and it is easy to believe the Commanders have set themselves up for failure. Even with a smaller signing, there are expectations for Omenihu to step in and contribute at a level he didn't offer in the 2025 season.
Commanders Will Likely Have Buyer's Remorse About Charles Omenihu
Omenihu finished last season with 3.5 sacks across 568 offensive snaps. Although it's far from abysmal production, it's a step down from the seven sacks he racked up across 404 opportunities when he debuted with the Chiefs in 2023.
With his turning 29 in August, it's hard to imagine that a change in scenery will help turn back the clock to his old form.
Another reason why Omenihu might disappoint his new team is that he won't have Chris Jones to do the dirty work on the inside. Without having Jones to create more favorable matchups, there's a chance that the former Chief's numbers could further slip.
Omenihu owns 23.0 career sacks, with 11.5 stemming from his time playing under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Even if Omenihu's time in Kansas City hasn't been perfect, having the Chiefs' DC in his ear has clearly been beneficial, leaving time to tell if Commanders counterpart Daronte Jones can have a similar impact.
Washington isn't going to give Omenihu enough reps to match his Kansas City production based on the superior talent they have. The Commanders added both Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson in free agency, bolstering their pass rush and handing Omenihu a clear path to the bench.
With this in mind, it isn't out of bounds to point out that this deal is likely to end in frustration with Omenihu's performance already regressing, and now he must deal with roadblocks to playing time. There's a good chance his time with the Commanders will end after a year without anything of note to remember from it.
Omenihu no longer was what the Chiefs needed, and the Commanders will likely learn that firsthand next season. In the meantime, Kansas City fans will continue to monitor their team's defense, watching closely to see what moves general manager Brett Veach has in store as the 2026 NFL draft nears.