At two of the most critical defensive positions, the Washington Commanders now face more uncertainty than stability.
At cornerback, Marshon Lattimore is set to earn $36.5 million over the final two years of his contract, despite failing to produce at a level that justifies that salary. Once considered a top-tier lockdown corner, there are doubts about whether he can still fill that role effectively.
Meanwhile, at edge rusher, the Commanders allowed their NFC East rival, the Dallas Cowboys, to sign their 2024 sacks leader, Dante Fowler, on a one-year, $6 million deal—raising concerns about the team’s roster decisions this offseason.
This leads to a pressing question: What is happening in Washington’s front office, and why can’t they seem to get things right?
According to Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon, the Commanders could stabilize their defense by targeting an underrated pass rusher of the Cleveland Browns.
“Adding another dedicated edge rusher to help replace Fowler would be wise,” Gagnon wrote. “Making a play for Trey Hendrickson would also be logical for the Commanders. They should also take a long look at Ogbo Okoronkwo of the Cleveland Browns this offseason. The Browns signed Okoronkwo to a three-year, $19 million deal in 2023 but have mostly used him in a rotational role. With Joe Tryon-Shoyinka now in Cleveland, the Browns may see Okoronkwo as expendable.”
From Big 12 Superstar to Super Bowl Champion
Standing at 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds, Ogbo Okoronkwo was a standout at Oklahoma, earning two All-Big 12 selections and being named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2017. He was later drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fifth round (No. 160 overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Okoronkwo missed his rookie season due to foot surgery but spent the next three years with the Rams, primarily contributing on special teams. He was part of the Super Bowl-winning squad following the 2021 season before moving on to the Houston Texans in 2022.
During his lone season in Houston, he posted career-best numbers, playing in 17 games (with 8 starts) and recording 44 tackles, 5.0 sacks, and 9 tackles for loss. That performance earned him a three-year, $19 million free-agent contract with the Cleveland Browns before the 2023 season.
In Cleveland, Okoronkwo has played a limited role, seeing less than 50% of the team’s defensive snaps over two seasons but still managing to total 7.5 sacks. By the end of the 2025 season, his career earnings are projected to reach approximately $25.2 million.
Browns One of NFL’s Worst Run Franchises
Being traded away from Cleveland could turn out to be one of the best things for Okoronkwo’s career. This is especially true considering that the Browns have consistently been one of the NFL’s most poorly managed franchises, coming off a dreadful 3-14 season in 2024.
Looking at Cleveland’s recent free-agent moves highlights many of the team’s issues. A prime example is their decision to sign Tryon-Shoyinka, a former first-round pick, to a one-year, $4.75 million contract despite already having Okoronkwo on the roster.
Even with such a modest salary, this is still an overpay for a player who left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with such a poor impression that they not only declined his fifth-year option before the 2024 season but also made no effort to re-sign him in 2025, even though they were in dire need of edge rushers.
