The Washington Commanders will have a number of important decisions to make this offseason. Following a disappointing end to the 2022 season, the Commanders are looking to better position themselves for a playoff run in 2023.
That will include finding an answer for the quarterback position, whether that answer is Sam Howell or someone else. It will also include fixing the offensive line, extending Daron Payne, and making some additions to the defense.
This is a pivotal offseason for a Commanders team that hopes to compete for the NFC East crown in an ultra-competitive division. But if change is going to occur, a roster overhaul of sorts must happen as well.
With that in mind, which Commanders players have likely played their final game with the team? We take a look at five realistic options.
5. Tyler Larsen, C, Commanders
You could pick any number of the numerous Commanders offensive linemen set to hit free agency to be on this list, and this won’t be the only offensive lineman on this list either.
Tyler Larsen started eight games for Washington at center in 2022, his second season with the team. Larsen was the fourth player to start at center for the Commanders last season when he took over in Week 6.
Ultimately, Larsen is a backup-caliber center who was only thrust into a starting role due to injury. He’s also dealt with injuries of his own in each of his two seasons with the Commanders.
You could also consider throwing the oft-injured Chase Roullier on this list, but it seems even more likely that Larsen’s time with Washington has come to an end.
4. J.D. McKissic, RB, Commanders
J.D. McKissic is one of the most well-liked players in that Commanders’ locker room. McKissic loves Washington, and the organization has treated him with equal admiration.
It’s why McKissic reversed course and decided to turn down the Buffalo Bills this past offseason in favor of the same deal from the Commanders. He has a lot of supporters in that building.
Unfortunately, McKissic’s injury history has to be a concern at this stage. The veteran running back has now suffered season-ending neck injuries in consecutive seasons, and his NFL future might legitimately be in doubt.
McKissic has served a valuable role as a very capable third-down, pass-catching back over the last three seasons in Washington, but his time with the organization might be coming to an end.
The Commanders could cut McKissic and save $1.23 million this offseason. It’s not a lot, but it’s fair to question if there’s even a role for McKissic on the roster.
Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson figure to handle most of the running back work next season. The Commanders could also look to make an addition in the offseason.
The fact that McKissic is on a relatively team-friendly cap hit ($3.23 million cap hit in 2023) makes it more likely he returns than some of the others on this list.
Still, it seems more likely that McKissic is let go this offseason than he returns. The injuries and redundant role make him expendable.
3. Logan Thomas, TE, Commanders
The tight end position has been a struggle for the Commanders over the last two seasons, but there was reason for optimism with Logan Thomas returning from injury this year.
Thomas was limited to just six games in 2021 due to a torn ACL, but the former Virginia Tech standout returned this season and looked to pick up where he left off in 2020.
Unfortunately, that’s not what happened. Thomas was a relative non-factor in the passing game for much of the year. Despite playing 14 games, Thomas finished with just 39 catches for 323 yards and a touchdown.
The Commanders will likely look to upgrade the tight end position this offseason, and it seems as though Thomas’ time in Washington is coming to an end.
Reports suggest that the Commanders will look to cut Thomas this offseason, a move that would save them just shy of $3 million in cap space. It seems as though Washington believes that’s worth it.
Perhaps the Commanders are high on the young duo of Armani Rodgers and Cole Turner. Perhaps they’re looking to make a big addition in the draft or free agency.
Either way, it seems unlikely that Thomas is on the roster next season. It’s time to make a change at the tight end position.
2. Trai Turner, OG, Commanders
It’s no secret that the Commanders’ offensive line struggled mightily in 2022. That’s why Trai Turner isn’t the only offensive lineman included on this list — and there likely could’ve been more.
The Commanders signed Turner to a one-year, $3 million contract in the offseason with the hope that he could solidify the right guard position. Needless to say, that didn’t really happen.
Turner shifted in and out of the starting lineup, starting 12 games and appealing in 16. The five-time Pro Bowler was a shell of his former self and arguably the weakest link on a bad Commanders offensive line.
Turner finished with a lowly 53.0 Pro Football Focus grade that ranked 66th out of 78 qualified guards. The nine-year veteran allowed 22 pressures in 12 starts and was the team’s lowest-graded run blocker, per PFF.
The Commanders will be looking to make a number of offensive line changes this offseason, and none are more obvious than Turner, who is set to be a free agent.
Expect Washington to turn to the 2023 NFL Draft and, hopefully not shop on the bargain bin in free agency. There’s a reason they were able to sign Turner for so cheap.
Don’t expect Trai Turner to be back in 2023. It’s time for an upgrade.
1. Carson Wentz, QB, Commanders
This one should be rather obvious. There is approximately a zero percent chance that Carson Wentz is on the Commanders’ roster in 2023.
Washington set their sights on Wentz last offseason and made him the team’s undisputed starter entering the season. They traded multiple draft picks to the Indianapolis Colts for a player who would start just seven games at quarterback for them.
Wentz was a problem in 2023. The former No. 2 overall pick was intercepted nine times and fumbled six times in just seven starts. A fractured finger landed him on the injured reserve, and while sidelined, Wentz lost his job to Taylor Heinicke.
Heinicke was a big reason why the Commanders positioned themselves in the playoff conversation for a while. Unfortunately, everything fell apart late in the season.
The Commanders would turn back to Wentz to start in Week 17 after coming on in relief the week prior, but he responded with a three-interception performance that sealed Washington’s fate.
That was a fitting end to the Carson Wentz era in Landover.
Wentz is set to carry a cap hit of over $26 million into 2023, but the Commanders could cut him at any time with $0 in dead cap. It’s an obvious move for the organization.
Whether the plan is to roll with Sam Howell and Taylor Heinicke or bring in a veteran, there is no room for Wentz and his salary on the roster.
Commanders fans would like to move on from this lackluster Wentz season as soon as possible. They’ll get their wish this offseason.