What moves could the Washington Commanders make to save more than $50 million on their 2023 salary cap before free agency begins?
Compared to some teams around the NFL, the Washington Commanders are in a pretty healthy position heading into the 2023 off-season. While there are needs to fill, particularly at quarterback and across the offensive line, those in power should have a significant sum to spend before competitive action begins once again.
According to Spotrac, the Commanders have $6.58 million available in cap space currently. But there are options to bring this number up substantially before the all-important free-agent frenzy gets underway.
This would allow Washington enough financial wiggle room to acquire talented free agents and keep players like Daron Payne around long-term. And general manager Martin Mayhew cannot afford to make any errors after an indifferent first year as general manager.
Using the Over the Cap calculator, we picked out four moves that could save the Commanders $51.48 million in salary cap space this spring.
Move No. 1
Commanders could cut Chase Roullier (post-June 1)
- Cap savings – $8.37 million
While Chase Roullier’s can be a productive center when healthy, there are now significant availability concerns. The former sixth-round selection has turned out in just 640 snaps on offense over the last two seasons, which means the Washington Commanders must find themselves a stable presence capable of filling the void long-term.
Much will depend on how Roullier recovers from his serious knee injury. But cutting the Wyoming product after June 1 represents a cap saving of $8.37 million with $4.05 million in dead money.
This is something those in power should consider. Especially if they manage to secure a better option in free agency or the 2023 NFL Draft.
Commanders could trade Charles Leno Jr.
- Cap savings – $8 million
There could be plenty of player turnover across the offensive line in readiness for the 2023 season. The Washington Commanders lacked consistency in this key area of the field last time around, which didn’t do whoever was under center any favors and also made things difficult for the running game to firmly establish against some prolific defenses throughout the campaign.
Having veteran savviness along the protection is something the Commanders can seek in free agency. They might also examine some top college prospects with a view to taking one at No. 16 overall.
What this means for Charles Leno Jr.’s future in Washington remains to be seen. The edge protector gave up eight sacks and conceded four penalties from 1,189 snaps in 2022 en route to a creditable 71.9 grade from Pro Football Focus, which could lead to a reprieve for depth if nothing else.
Leno could stick around if the Commanders cannot find the necessary reinforcements. Although he’s now 32 years old, trading the player is also a possibility if another team shows interest.
The former seventh-round pick out of Boise State can be efficient and should improve with better options around him. But the $8 million savings involved with a trade gives Washington financial flexibility and gets them a potential mid-to-late-round selection in return.
Commanders could restructure Jonathan Allen
- Cap savings – $8.94 million
Jonathan Allen is one of the NFL’s highest-paid defensive linemen for a reason. He is an absolute force anywhere he lines up, causing absolute havoc and gaining a reputation for making huge plays when his defense needs them most.
Allen deservedly got a massive payday from the Washington Commanders after an exceptional start to his pro career. His four-year, $72 million deal that included a $30 million signing bonus and $35.64 million guaranteed could be a steal based on how things are going with new contracts – especially considering how important the former first-round selection is to Jack Del Rio’s system.
Despite the Commanders struggling overall on offense, the same didn’t apply to Allen. He was once again a human-wrecking ball as a 3-4 defensive end, racking up 7.5 sacks, 65 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 17 quarterback hits, 21 pressures, and a hugely impressive 80.1 grade from Pro Football Focus – stats that indicate he’s only getting better.
Washington could look to get Allen’s $21.44 million cap number in 2023 down if the player also agrees. Something that shouldn’t be too hard to work out when push comes to shove.
Restructuring Allen’s contract comes with an $8.94 million salary-cap saving. Money that could be used to potentially extend the one-time Alabama star’s teammate on the defensive front, Daron Payne.
Commanders could cut Carson Wentz
- Cap savings – $26.17 million
The best and most obvious way for the Washington Commanders to save themselves a ton of cash on their 2023 salary cap centers around Carson Wentz. The quarterback just didn’t meet expectations following his high-profile trade from the Indianapolis Colts, but the front office at least set his contract up to ensure there would be no lingering financial worries if things went south.
If this was Wentz’s last chance to prove he could be a successful NFL starter, he failed. Washington’s offensive line didn’t help matters, but the indecision, footwork complications, and lack of confidence were evident, so removing him completely from the equation is almost guaranteed before free agency.
This won’t come as any surprise to Wentz, who has no guaranteed money left on his deal. What the future holds at the quarterback position is a huge topic of debate, even if Ron Rivera plans to give Sam Howell a legitimate shot at winning the job long-term when OTAs begin.
Cutting Wentz comes with no dead-cap ramifications and savings of $26.17 million. This is a substantial sum that the Commanders can use to bolster other needs if they do start Howell in 2023.
Wentz will likely find a new home in free agency. Former No. 1 overall selections often get more chances than most, but getting a free run to another starting role is absolutely out of the question all things considered.