Commanders Sign Charles Omenihu to One-Year $7M Deal for 2026 Season

The Washington Commanders have added more depth to their defensive line by signing defensive end Charles Omenihu. The veteran pass rusher has agreed to a one-year contract worth $4 million, with incentives that could increase the value of the deal to $7 million.

Omenihu joins Washington after spending the past three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, bringing experience and versatility to a defense that has been reshaped during the offseason.

Washington Continues Defensive Line Rebuild

The Commanders have made several defensive changes recently, and the addition of Omenihu is part of their effort to strengthen the pass rush.

The 28-year-old defensive lineman is expected to compete for a starting role and could line up opposite Tim Settle, depending on how the defensive rotation develops during the offseason.

Washington has been active in building depth along the defensive front, and Omenihu’s ability to play multiple positions on the defensive line makes him a valuable addition.

Charles Omenihu Contract Details

Player	Charles Omenihu
Team	Washington Commanders
Contract Length	1 Year
Base Value	$4 Million
Max Value with Incentives	Up to $7 Million
Position	Defensive End
Age	28

The contract gives Washington flexibility while adding an experienced defender who can contribute immediately.

Omenihu’s 2025 Season Performance

Omenihu played in all 17 regular-season games in 2025 for Kansas City. While he was not the primary pass rusher, he remained a steady part of the defensive rotation.

Season	Games Played	Tackles	Sacks	QB Hits
2025	17	28	3.5	13

His 28 tackles matched his career high, showing his continued involvement in defensive plays even when rotating along the line.

Career Journey Before Joining Washington

Charles Omenihu began his NFL career with the Houston Texans, where he recorded seven sacks in 29 games early in his career. He was later traded to the San Francisco 49ers during the 2021 season.

Former Chiefs DE Charles Omenihu reached agreement today on a one-year deal worth up to $7 million with the Washington Commanders, per his agent @DavidMulugheta of Athletes First. pic.twitter.com/wVuKgRTvkp

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2026

With San Francisco, he continued to develop as a pass rusher and recorded 4.5 sacks during the 2022 season before moving on to Kansas City.

During his time with the Chiefs, Omenihu played a supporting role on the defensive line and delivered a strong performance during one season with seven sacks in 11 games.

His career also included a setback when he suffered a torn ACL during the 2023 AFC Championship Game, which forced him to miss significant time the following year. However, he returned in 2025 and completed a full season.

Commanders Add Versatility to Defensive Front

The Commanders’ defensive line now features several players competing for snaps, including Tim Settle, Odafe Oweh, and K’Lavon Chaisson. Omenihu’s versatility allows him to play different roles across the defensive front, whether rushing from the edge or rotating inside in certain formations.

Washington’s offseason strategy has focused heavily on improving defensive depth, and Omenihu’s experience should provide additional stability to the unit heading into the new season.

Opportunity for a Bigger Role in Washington

With the move to Washington, Omenihu now has the chance to take on a larger role and potentially earn more playing time.

If he performs well during the season, the one-year deal could also give him the opportunity to secure a longer contract in the future.

For now, the Commanders have added another experienced defender to a defensive line that continues to evolve heading into the 2026 NFL season.