Adam Peters' gamble on aging veterans blew up in his face last season. But fortunately for the Washington Commanders, the general manager retained the team's future financial flexibility.
The Commanders are in a healthy financial position entering the offseason. Peters received another boost with the larger-than-expected salary-cap hike, and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network is among those around the league who are expecting fireworks from Washington when the legal tampering window opens.
There is a lot of hard work ahead, and many challenges remain. The Commanders need to get younger and more dynamic across the board. They need to identify immediate-impact players who represent sound long-term investments. They also need a significant defensive overhaul and more firepower for quarterback Jayden Daniels.
According to Over the Cap, the Commanders are projected to have $74.55 million in available funds at the moment. That's the fifth-highest in the NFL, but there is a good chance Peters can get this number up even further as the offseason goes on.
With this in mind, here are five moves that could get the Commanders above $125 million in available salary-cap space before the free-agent frenzy commences.
Measures that could get the Commanders above $125 million in cap space this offseason
Commanders cut Nick Allegretti
- Savings: $3.64 million
- Dead money: $3.53 million
- New salary-cap space: $78.19 million
The Washington Commanders will get their entire starting five offensive linemen back in 2026 if left guard Chris Paul gets another deal. Much will depend on the money involved, but it's a definite possibility after the 2022 seventh-round pick made such impressive strides in the final year of his rookie contract.
That would be immensely positive for the team's continuity. However, general manager Adam Peters has some questions about depth. Most of the rotational veterans are free agents. And even though Nick Allegretti's versatility is useful, he is now a very expensive backup option.
Allegretti hasn't quite hit the heights expected during his first two seasons in Washington. He lost his starting left guard role entering the campaign, and he was benched after just two games, as his switch to the right-hand side of the interior failed to yield the desired results.
The former Illinois standout can play anywhere on the interior. Allegretti looked pretty comfortable at the center position when Tyler Biadasz got hurt, and it's not like the Commanders have much else behind the starting lineup currently.
At the same time, if Peters can find better options for a little bit cheaper, cutting the Super Bowl winner couldn't be dismissed entirely.
Commanders cut Marshon Lattimore
- Savings: $18.5 million
- Dead money: $0
- New salary-cap space: $96.69 million
This is a no-brainer.
The Washington Commanders' blockbuster trade to acquire cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints quickly became an unmitigated disaster. A hamstring injury upon joining the franchise meant he was never truly healthy during the team's memorable run to the NFC Championship game. All hope was not entirely lost, but the initial concerns were evident.
Lattimore was fit and focused heading into his first full season with the club. Unfortunately, his previous capabilities as a shutdown presence in coverage were seemingly long gone.
The four-time Pro Bowler became a weak link that opposing offenses attacked at will, especially going downfield. Lattimore was a step too slow, and his technical flaws resulted in several frustrating penalties in crucial situations. To make matters worse, he also went to injured reserve after tearing his ACL against the Seattle Seahawks.
If that wasn't bad enough, Lattimore also got arrested on gun charges this offseason. Cutting him with one year remaining on his deal seemed highly likely even before this incident. Now, it's almost a foregone conclusion.
There are no dead money ramifications to removing Lattimore from the equation. The Commanders also save $18.5 million on their 2026 salary cap, freeing up funds to be spent elsewhere.
Commanders extend Tyler Biadasz
- Savings: $5.46 million
- Dead money: $0
- New salary-cap space: $102.17 million
There are other ways for the Washington Commanders to save money this offseason. And it could go a long way to solidifying their future with established veterans who are a huge part of the team's plans moving forward.
Extensions submitted in advance will be considered by Adam Peters. Not many on the squad earned this right during a campaign that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons, but there were a couple of shining lights amid the chaos.
Tyler Biadasz is among them. The starting center has been a model of consistency since joining the Commanders in 2024 free agency. His pre-snap communication, solid run blocking, and dependable pass protection were a breath of fresh air. He's an unassuming leader, but head coach Dan Quinn trusts him fully to deliver the goods when it comes to the crunch.
Biadasz is entering the final year of his deal. There is a chance Washington lets him play things out before taking it any further. However, getting another contract worked out this offseason cements a key cog for quarterback Jayden Daniels while freeing up some extra funds on their 2026 salary cap.
If Biadasz performs as expected next season, the price is only going to go up. Getting him tied down now could save even more in the long run.
Commanders extend Laremy Tunsil
- Savings: $15.84 million
- Dead money: $0
- New salary-cap space: $118.01 million
A new deal ahead of time for Tyler Biadasz could go either way. That is not the case for elite left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who is also looking to get paid by the Washington Commanders this offseason.
Adam Peters' trade for Marshon Lattimore, as previously discussed, was disastrous. His decision to acquire Tunsil from the Houston Texans is at the opposite end of the spectrum. The Commanders had to pay a premium to get him into the building, but they would do it all again in a heartbeat.
Tunsil was nothing short of exceptional throughout the campaign. His pass protection was flawless. His run blocking was surprisingly dominant. Becoming a strong mentor to rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. had major benefits attached. While the Ole Miss product still concedes too many penalties, his influence on and off the field was a revelation.
Now, Tunsil wants his money. He's made no secret of that, and the blindside enforcer could potentially reset the market in the region of $30 million per season. The Commanders cannot afford for this to drag into another Terry McLaurin situation, and a new deal will also save them a considerable amount on their 2026 cap for good measure.
Tunsil is representing himself, but both sides should reach a compromise quickly.
Commanders restructure Sam Cosmi
- Savings: $9.85 million
- Dead money: $0
- New salary-cap space: $127.86 million
If the Washington Commanders wanted even more cash to spend, general manager Adam Peters could also consider restructuring a contract to kick the can down the road slightly. They've got enough space to do this, but it should be considered only for franchise cornerstones who have already cemented their status.
Looking at the possibilities, Sam Cosmi makes the most sense for a contract restructure. The stud right guard made a successful return to the lineup after a torn ACL last season. He's one of the most consistent and dominant interior forces in the league. Even though he ended the campaign on injured reserve, it was merely precautionary, with the Commanders playing for nothing other than pride.
Cosmi will be a focal point throughout his contract, which runs through the 2028 season. If the Commanders want to maximize every last drip of financial availability during a pivotal offseason for the club, tweaking his contract seems feasible, saving $9.85 million in 2026.
That contract will go a little later into the deal, which may prove complicated once Jayden Daniels' megabucks extension is confirmed down the road. However, Washington needs significant improvements right now, so restructuring Cosmi's deal would give Peters even more ammunition.