Story perspectives

Commanders Ink Okonkwo to $27 M Deal, OTAs Buzz

5/28/2026

Summary

Commanders Sign Okonkwo

Washington Commanders signed Chig Okonkwo to a three-year, $27 million contract with a $7 million signing bonus and $16.7 million guaranteed.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels focused on leadership, ran two-minute drills with Chig Okonkwo to build a bond.
Undrafted kicker Drew Stevens made all five field-goal attempts, including a 53-yard try, in the OTAs.
The Commanders added newcomers Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson and Leo Chenal, prompting Javon Kinlaw praise and a high-tempo OTA practice.

Summary

McLaurin Returns

Attendance reached 100% at the first organized team activity (OTA).
Veteran left tackle Laremy Tunsil attended the OTA to mentor younger linemen and assist quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin returned after missing last year’s voluntary workouts because of a contract dispute, boosting offensive morale.
Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw used profanity to describe the team’s renewed intensity.
Right guard Sam Cosmi said there is “more fire under our ass.”

History

Historical Context

On March 1 1993 the NFL replaced Plan B with unrestricted free agency, a shift that produced multimillion-dollar deals such as Reggie White’s four-year, $17 million contract with the Packers. The system also helped the Dallas Cowboys build a Super Bowl XXVIII champion roster. In 2024 the Washington Commanders used that same free-agency model to sign tight end Chig Okonkwo to a three-year, $27 million deal.

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Commanders Sign Okonkwo

Washington Commanders signed Chig Okonkwo to a three-year, $27 million contract with a $7 million signing bonus and $16.7 million guaranteed.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels focused on leadership, ran two-minute drills with Chig Okonkwo to build a bond.
Undrafted kicker Drew Stevens made all five field-goal attempts, including a 53-yard try, in the OTAs.
The Commanders added newcomers Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson and Leo Chenal, prompting Javon Kinlaw praise and a high-tempo OTA practice.

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