The Washington Commanders enter the 2026 campaign with enormous stakes. The highs were exceptionally high in the first season under general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn. The lows were just as drastic in Year 2 of this bold project.
Last season represented a reality check in no uncertain terms. The Commanders came crashing back down to earth, winning just five games. While the injuries didn't help, something just felt off before the campaign began.
Whether complacency set in, or the Commanders thought they were guaranteed to be in the playoff hunt again, is anyone's guess. Whatever they implemented didn't work, but Peters has worked tirelessly throughout the offseason to put the pieces in place for sustainable growth. That doesn't guarantee success, but it doesn't hurt.
Everyone should be on edge. Everyone should be eager to turn the tide. Everyone is looking to remind the NFL world why they made the NFC Championship game in 2024. And make no mistake; Peters will be watching developments closely.
This is a constant evaluation. Peters is a calculated, ruthless roster builder who won't hesitate to make further changes if necessary. Anyone not pulling their weight won't last much longer, and the financial implications of keeping some around are always at the forefront of his mind.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders players who could be potential cut candidates if the team's spiral continues in 2026.
Commanders players who could be cut if the downward spiral continues in 2026
Amik Robertson - Commanders CB
- Dead money: $3 million
- Cap savings: $7.01 million
The Washington Commanders kicked off a busy free agency with the signing of veteran cornerback Amik Robertson. Fans were a little underwhelmed by the move, but his versatility and leadership could be an asset if utilized correctly.
Robertson is undersized, which can prove complicated in contested catch situations. He's a high-effort player with the competitive fire to inspire others around him, but Adam Peters was right to give his contract an easy out if standards aren't met in 2026.
With Robertson counting $10.01 million against the salary cap in 2027, he'll need to earn that lofty financial commitment. The Commanders also have Mike Sainristil, Trey Amos, and Ahkello Witherspoon, and speculation is growing around Washington taking another cornerback early in the draft. That's going to shake up the dynamic even more, which should keep urgency high.
Getting signed so quickly was a telling vote of confidence in Robertson's ability to shine in Washington. But if anything goes wrong, the Commanders could save a significant amount on their salary cap by cutting him loose after only one year.