Commanders Snap Skid, but Andrew Wylie’s Future Comes Into Focus After Week 15 Decision
The Washington Commanders finally put an end to their eight-game losing streak with a hard-fought win over the New York Giants. It was a much-needed boost for a team that's been stuck in neutral for far too long. But while the victory offered a glimmer of hope, it also quietly signaled the writing on the wall for one veteran lineman.
Let’s talk about Andrew Wylie.
The veteran offensive lineman, a two-time Super Bowl champion, has seen his role steadily diminish since arriving in Washington during the 2023 free agency period. And in Week 15, with the game on the line and starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil forced out twice due to injuries - first a shoulder, then an oblique - the Commanders made a move that spoke volumes: they turned to Brandon Coleman.
Coleman, a third-round pick in 2024, hadn’t played much since being benched after Week 3. But when Tunsil went down, it wasn’t Wylie who got the nod to protect the blindside.
It was Coleman. And that decision told us everything we need to know about how the coaching staff views Wylie’s place in the team’s future.
A Telling Move at a Crucial Moment
This wasn’t just a random depth chart shuffle. This was a calculated decision by head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
Wylie has the experience. He’s logged significant time at right tackle throughout his NFL career and has even shown versatility by stepping in at right guard earlier this season.
So if the Commanders were looking for a steady hand in a tight game, Wylie would’ve been the logical choice.
But instead, they went with the younger, unproven Coleman - a player who’s had a rocky rookie campaign but still offers more long-term upside. That move wasn’t just about Week 15. It was about 2026 and beyond.
Wylie’s Slide Down the Depth Chart
Wylie’s journey in Washington has been anything but smooth. He arrived as part of a transitional phase - a new ownership group, a coaching staff in flux, and a roster in need of a rebuild.
He started at right tackle for two seasons with mixed results. Solid at times, shaky at others, but always a professional.
Then came the offseason shakeup. Washington traded for Tunsil, one of the game’s premier left tackles, and used their No. 29 overall pick on Josh Conerly Jr., a high-upside tackle prospect.
That left Wylie squeezed out of the starting lineup. He filled in admirably at right guard when needed, but Sam Cosmi’s return from injury sent Wylie back to the bench.
And now, with Coleman leapfrogging him in a critical moment, it’s clear the Commanders are looking ahead - and Wylie isn’t part of that picture.
Looking Ahead
Wylie’s contract runs through the 2025 season, but the writing’s on the wall. When a team chooses to give valuable in-game reps to a struggling rookie over a seasoned vet in a must-win situation, it’s not just about performance - it’s about priorities.
That doesn’t mean Wylie won’t find another opportunity. He’s still a capable lineman with championship pedigree and positional flexibility - traits that always hold value in this league. But barring a major shift, that opportunity won’t come in Washington.
His time with the Commanders may not have unfolded the way he or the team envisioned, but Wylie handled it like a pro. He came in during a turbulent period, gave what he had, and adapted when asked. That counts for something.
Still, the Commanders are clearly turning the page. And Week 15 was the moment that made it official.