The Washington Commanders are gearing up for the 2026 NFL offseason, and with a prime draft position, they're poised to make some strategic moves. However, to maximize their potential, they'll need to make some tough decisions regarding their current roster. Here are three key moves the Commanders should consider to free up salary-cap space.
First up, there's a silver lining for the Commanders. Some of the missteps from the Dan Quinn era can be rectified this season. They have some high-priced players who haven't quite delivered, making them expendable.
Let's dive into these potential changes, starting with a player whose time in Washington seems to have run its course. The Commanders traded for a former Pro Bowler and the 2017 Defensive Rookie of the Year back in 2024.
At the time, it seemed like a smart move, as they needed help in the secondary. However, injuries limited his impact to just two regular-season games, and he didn't make waves in the postseason either.
Fast forward to 2025, and the veteran struggled to keep up. With only nine games played, seven passes defended, and 27 tackles, his performance left much to be desired.
Pro Football Focus ranked him 96th with an overall grade of 52.1, which paints a clear picture of his struggles on the field. His temper didn't help matters, and off-field issues, including an arrest, sealed his fate.
The good news? The Commanders can save a hefty $18.5 million with no dead cap hit by moving on.
Next, let's talk about Allegretti. While not a blockbuster move, letting him go could free up $3.6 million.
Signed for $16 million over three years in 2024, Allegretti had his moments, starting 17 games. But this season, he lost his starting spot to Chris Paul.
Despite being a three-time Super Bowl champ, his limited starting experience with the Chiefs raised questions. The arrival of Josh Conerly Jr. in the 2025 draft seemed to signal the end for Allegretti in Washington.
The Commanders had a solid offensive line in 2025, ranked 13th by Pro Football Focus, so Allegretti might find a new home, albeit at a reduced salary.
Finally, there's Tunsil, a top-tier offensive tackle. His overall grade of 84.7 placed him sixth among NFL tackles, with an impressive pass-blocking grade of 88.9.
Tunsil's contributions in the run game also earned him praise. The Commanders made a savvy trade to acquire him, and keeping him happy is crucial.
Extending his contract seems like the logical step, especially since Tunsil has expressed his desire to stay. However, penalties were an issue, with eight flags in 2025.
Currently, Tunsil's cap hit is $24.95 million, but restructuring could save around $15 million.
In summary, the Commanders have an opportunity to reshape their roster and create financial flexibility. By making these strategic moves, they can position themselves for a successful 2026 season.