Commanders Facing Tough Call on Nick Allegretti as Offseason Decisions Loom
As the Washington Commanders gear up for what promises to be a pivotal 2026 offseason, the front office is staring down a long list of roster decisions-some more difficult than others. And while the final five games of the season may shift a few narratives, one thing feels increasingly clear: Nick Allegretti’s time in Washington is likely nearing its end.
Adam Peters, in his second year leading the Commanders' personnel decisions, came into 2025 with an aggressive mindset. After a promising 2024 campaign, expectations were raised-and rightly so.
Peters responded by doubling down, making bold moves to push this team into legitimate playoff contention. But as the season has unfolded, it’s become obvious that not every piece has clicked the way Washington hoped.
Now, with the most pending free agents of any team in the league, Peters and his staff are preparing for a roster overhaul. Not everyone will be shown the door, but not everyone will make the cut, either. And that includes players still under contract-like Allegretti.
Allegretti’s Washington Stint Falls Flat
When Allegretti signed a three-year deal with the Commanders in 2024, fresh off a Super Bowl run with the Kansas City Chiefs, the expectation was that he’d bring championship-caliber stability to the offensive line. He didn’t have much trouble winning the starting left guard job, but once the season got underway, his performance didn’t exactly match the paycheck.
To the casual eye, Allegretti’s struggles may have been tough to spot-largely thanks to Jayden Daniels. The rookie quarterback’s incredible pocket awareness and ability to escape pressure masked a lot of issues up front. But inside the building, the evaluation was far more critical.
Peters clearly saw the need for an upgrade. He traded for veteran left tackle Laremy Tunsil and used the No. 29 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Josh Conerly Jr., giving the Commanders a young, athletic bookend tackle duo. That move alone signaled that Allegretti’s long-term role was in jeopardy.
A Failed Position Switch Seals the Deal
Allegretti got one more shot to prove his value when Sam Cosmi went down with an injury. The coaching staff slid him over to right guard-a change that quickly turned into a disaster.
Allegretti struggled mightily in the new spot, and after just two starts, he was benched. Since then, he’s barely seen the field.
It’s hard to ignore the writing on the wall. Allegretti is set to count over $7 million against the salary cap in 2026, and that’s a tough number to justify for a backup lineman who hasn’t delivered when called upon.
From a financial standpoint, the Commanders have options. Releasing Allegretti before June 1 would leave $3.53 million in dead money, but it would also free up $3.64 million in cap space.
If they wait until after the new league year begins, the savings jump to $6 million, with just $1.17 million in dead money. Either way, the math doesn’t favor keeping him around.
Could a trade be possible? Maybe. But with teams around the league aware of his situation-and his recent tape-it’s unlikely Washington would get much in return.
Chris Paul Emerges, Making the Decision Easier
One of the more underrated developments this season has been the emergence of Chris Paul at left guard. He’s stepped into the starting role and made a strong case for a contract extension. If the Commanders believe he’s part of their future, clearing Allegretti’s salary could help free up the resources to keep Paul in the building.
In the end, Allegretti’s short stint in Washington looks like a swing that didn’t connect. It happens.
But as Peters and the Commanders chart their course for 2026 and beyond, expect them to prioritize flexibility, performance, and value. And in that equation, Allegretti just doesn’t seem to fit anymore.