The Washington Commanders just pulled off a smart bit of cap maneuvering with veteran punter Tress Way - and it’s a move that benefits both player and team in a big way.
Thanks to a little-known clause in the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement called the 4-Year Qualifying Contract (4YQC), Way will earn nearly $3.037 million in 2026 - most of it guaranteed - but he’ll only count $1.487 million against the salary cap. That’s the kind of efficiency front offices dream about: rewarding a longtime contributor without taking a major hit on the books.
Let’s unpack how this works and why it matters.
What is a 4-Year Qualifying Contract?
The 4YQC was introduced in the 2020 CBA as a way to help teams retain veteran players who’ve been with the same franchise for at least four consecutive seasons. It’s designed to encourage roster continuity by giving teams a cap break on certain vets - guys who may not be stars but are still key pieces in the locker room and on the field.
To qualify, a player must:
- Have four or more credited seasons
- Have spent at least four uninterrupted years on the same team’s 90-man roster
- Sign a one-year contract
- Have a salary that’s no more than $1.55 million above the league minimum for their experience level
Each team can use this benefit on up to two players per season, but the total salary bump for both can’t exceed that $1.55 million cap.
Why Tress Way Fits the Bill
Way checks every box. He’s been with Washington since 2014 - this will be his 13th season with the team - and remains one of the most consistent punters in the league. He’s also widely regarded as one of the best holders in football, a crucial but often overlooked part of the kicking game.
Because his new one-year deal stays within the required salary range, the Commanders get to pay him like the All-Pro-caliber specialist he is, while only taking on a cap hit that’s barely above what a rookie punter would cost. That’s smart roster management.
Why This Matters for Washington
This is the second straight year Washington has used the 4YQC benefit on Way, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they keep doing it as long as he’s producing at a high level. He’s a steady presence on special teams, and in a league where field position and clean holds on kicks can swing games, his value goes well beyond the stat sheet.
By using this CBA tool, the Commanders are showing a commitment to rewarding loyalty and performance - without compromising future flexibility. It’s a win-win: Way gets a well-earned payday, and the team preserves cap space to address other needs.
What’s Next?
At the moment, it looks like Tress Way is the only Commanders player eligible for the 4YQC in 2026. Safety Jeremy Reaves might qualify in 2027 if he remains with the team and doesn’t receive a significant raise, but for now, this appears to be a one-man benefit.
Still, it’s a great example of how teams can work within the CBA to keep valuable veterans in the building without overpaying on the cap sheet. And for a player like Way - who’s been a model of consistency and professionalism for over a decade - it’s a well-deserved nod to his impact on and off the field.
Bottom line: this isn’t just about punting. It’s about smart team-building, rewarding continuity, and making the most of every dollar. And in today’s NFL, that’s how you stay competitive.