The Washington Commanders are heading into the 2026 offseason with a new head coach, a fresh vision, and-most importantly-nearly $100 million in cap space. That’s a lot of room to maneuver, and with Dan Quinn stepping in to reshape the culture and identity of this team, tough decisions are on the horizon. Some of those decisions will involve parting ways with veterans who haven’t lived up to expectations, haven’t stayed healthy, or simply don’t fit the direction this roster is headed.
Let’s break down three players who could be on the chopping block-and why moving on from them might be the right call as the Commanders look to get younger, faster, and more competitive.
Marshon Lattimore: The Numbers-and the Tape-Don’t Lie
When the Commanders brought in Marshon Lattimore ahead of the 2024 season, the hope was that he’d bring veteran savvy and lockdown ability to a secondary in need of a boost. Fast forward two seasons, and that vision just hasn’t materialized.
Lattimore’s 2025 campaign was, in a word, forgettable. He played in just nine games and managed only 27 tackles-numbers that barely register for a player once considered among the league’s elite corners.
And while stats don’t always tell the whole story, the film backs it up: Lattimore struggled to keep up with the speed and precision of today’s top wideouts. Pro Football Focus graded him at 52.1, ranking 96th out of 114 qualifying cornerbacks.
That’s not just a dip in performance-that’s a cliff dive.
Off the field, things haven’t helped his case either. Lattimore was arrested in Cleveland earlier this year on a possible concealed weapon charge.
It’s not his first run-in with the law-he was also arrested in 2021 for receiving a stolen firearm. While the legal process will play out, the Commanders have already acknowledged the situation and are gathering information.
Add it all up-declining play, off-field concerns, and a hefty contract-and the writing’s on the wall. Washington can save $18.5 million by releasing Lattimore without taking on any dead cap. That’s a significant chunk of change for a team looking to retool, and it makes the decision a relatively easy one from a business standpoint.
At 29, Lattimore may still have some football left in him, but it’s clear his best days are behind him. And for a defense that needs to get younger and more dynamic, moving on feels like the right move.
Nick Allegretti: From Reliable Starter to Cap Casualty?
Nick Allegretti was one of the Commanders’ more solid additions in 2024. A three-time Super Bowl champion, he brought experience and toughness to the interior of the offensive line, starting all 17 games that season. But 2025 told a different story.
Allegretti made just four starts this past season, and even when he did see the field, he didn’t look like the same player. He lost his starting role early on, and when injuries forced him into action at center, the results were shaky. High snaps and inconsistent execution hampered the offense’s rhythm, and it became clear that Allegretti was no longer a reliable option.
Cutting him would save the Commanders around $3.6 million in cap space. That’s not a game-changing number, but in a league where every dollar counts, it’s enough to matter-especially when the production doesn’t match the paycheck.
Allegretti signed a 3-year, $16 million deal ahead of the 2024 season. Washington got a solid return in Year 1, but the drop-off in Year 2 makes it hard to justify keeping him around for Year 3. In a deep draft class for interior linemen and with plenty of cap room to explore younger, more athletic options, Allegretti could find himself on the outside looking in.
Noah Brown: One Highlight Can’t Mask Two Quiet Seasons
Noah Brown had his moment-a Hail Mary grab that made the highlight reels. But outside of that? The production just hasn’t been there.
In two seasons with Washington, Brown has appeared in only 15 games and scored just one touchdown. This year, his stat line reads like something from a preseason box score: five catches, 83 yards. That’s not the kind of output that earns you a roster spot on a team trying to build a more explosive offense.
Injuries have been a big part of the story. Brown has never played a full 17-game season, though he did manage to suit up for 16 games twice during his stint with the Cowboys. Availability is a skill in the NFL, and Brown just hasn’t been able to stay on the field consistently.
To his credit, Brown has remained positive through the setbacks. In a heartfelt Instagram post from December, he reflected on the challenges of staying mentally strong through adversity.
And there’s no question he brings value in the locker room as a veteran presence. But at some point, production has to match the paycheck-and the Commanders need every roster spot to count.
With a new coaching staff and a wide receiver room that could be in for a makeover, Brown’s time in Washington may be nearing its end.
The Bigger Picture
The Commanders are entering a pivotal offseason. With a new head coach in Dan Quinn, a mountain of cap space, and a fanbase hungry for progress, every move matters.
Cutting veterans like Lattimore, Allegretti, and Brown won’t just free up money-it will signal a shift in philosophy. This is a team that needs to get faster, more athletic, and more consistent.
These decisions aren’t easy. They involve players who’ve had success in this league, who’ve made their mark in different ways. But the NFL is a “what have you done for me lately” league, and Washington is clearly ready to turn the page.
The 2026 Commanders will look different-and that’s by design. The question now is: how bold are they willing to be?