3 ways cash-strapped Commanders can free-up space before 2023 draft

Commanders could restructure Jonathan Allen

• Cap saving – $8.94 million

The most obvious method of securing immediate salary-cap space has yet to be explored by the Washington Commanders. Stud defensive tackle Jonathan Allen isn’t going anywhere throughout the duration of his contract, so restructuring the deal given to their former first-round pick is something that brings clear benefits.

Allen remains an elite disruptive force on the defensive line interior. His partnership with Daron Payne was arguably the NFL’s best last season, which will continue in 2023 and beyond after the out-of-contract lineman got a bumper new deal from the Commanders earlier this year.

While there is now a lot of money tied up in Washington’s two defensive tackles, great teams find a way to make it work. Restructuring the Alabama product comes with a cap saving of $8.94 million in 2023, which could be put to good use at an important time for the organization.

Kicking the can down the road is becoming more prevalent around the league. The Commanders have $90.74 million in salary-cap space in 2024 with 34 players under contract, so moving Allen’s money around is an option well worth considering.

Players are normally on board with this – especially established ones key to the team’s success. They still get paid the same, it’s just a case of altering how that money is received throughout the campaign.

Either way, the Commanders have to do something. And quickly.