2 pertinent roster question marks after Tim Settle leaves Commanders for Bills

1. Is Matt Ioannidis’ 2022 roster spot now secure?

By absorbing Carson Wentz’s full contract, which, despite having an out after next season, comes with a $28 million cap hit for 2022, the Commanders will have to jump through hoops to create the necessary wiggle room to make signings.

Just to be clear, Washington can sign players in free agency before clearing up the requisite cap space. Expect maybe a few more cuts and contract restructures in the coming weeks, but the front office is open for business.

The first player to bite the bullet is Landon Collins, who’s expected release will save Washington $6.9 million in cap space.

That move was obvious, but Settle’s departure now begs the question of what further moves the team can make to save money. A popular thought amongst fans? Re-sign Settle at a bargain and release Matt Ioannidis, who’s $8.38 million cap hit for next season is pretty sizable for a “backup” defensive lineman.

The Commanders would salvage $6.88 million by cutting Ioannidis, their former fifth-round selection back in 2016. With Settle no longer in the fold, though, can Washington’s front seven afford to lose Ioannidis’ steadying presence?

One quick look at the team’s depth behind Ioannidis will leave you with one conclusion: Absolutely not. Unless the front office has a trick up its sleeve, we like to think Settle’s departure secures Ioannidis’ roster spot for 2022.

Anything can happen, obviously, but we tend to believe Washington will resort to restructuring contracts — whether it be converting salaries into roster bonuses or extending players — over releasing key depth pieces.