Adam Peters should realize by now just how much work there is ahead of him this offseason. The general manager pushed all his chips into the middle after the Washington Commanders reached the NFC Championship game in Year 1 of this ambitious project. He was correct to do so, but the returns haven't been favorable.
The Commanders look old, slow, and uninspired. That's a poor combination, and even though the injury issues haven't helped their case, this excuse can only last for so long. Attention has already turned to what comes next, and the decisions Peters makes in the coming months will shape the organization's future for better or worse.
Washington only has six selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, which isn't ideal. They have the most pending free agents of any club, and their roster is the NFL's oldest right now. Fortunately, the Commanders are projected to have more than $81 available salary-cap space as things stand, with only 34 players under contract.
Peters has his work cut out. The Commanders aren't going to solve every issue, but the time for half-measures is over. Aggressiveness and planning for the future are crucial, but make no mistake; his margin for error is shrinking.
The more money Peters has, the better. With this in mind, here are five early offseason moves that can unlock an extra $64.5 million in 2026.
All financial figures providedby Over the Cap.
Early offseason Commanders cap moves that could unlock $64.5 million
Commanders cut Nick Allegretti
- Dead money: $3.53 million
- Cap savings: $3.64 million
The Washington Commanders were expecting Nick Allegretti to become their long-term starter at the left guard position. His starring effort for the Kansas City Chiefs deep into the playoffs in 2023 played a leading role in their Super Bowl success. That was enough for general manager Adam Peters to hand him a decent contract in free agency.
Allegretti hasn't met expectations. His first season was littered with inconsistent production, which was masked by quarterback Jayden Daniels as the Commanders made the final four. He lost his left guard starting spot but won the right guard role in the summer, filling in for the injured Sam Cosmi. The Illinois product lasted two games before he was benched, and he's barely seen the field since.
There is almost no chance Allegretti is back next season. He's an expensive backup, costing more than $7 million against the salary cap. The Commanders would need to eat some dead money, but the savings involved make this scenario almost a foregone conclusion.
Commanders cut Marshon Lattimore
- Dead money: $0
- Cap savings: $18.5 million
The Washington Commanders signaled the start of their all-in mindset by pulling off a trade for four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore before the 2024 deadline. This formally announced the franchise's return to the national stage, and he was expected to provide the shutdown presence sorely lacking previously.
Unfortunately, it hasn't gone according to plan. Lattimore's early influence was sketchy at best, thanks in no small part to a hamstring injury he never fully recovered from. Hopes were high that he could return to something like his old self after getting healthy over the offseason, but it wasn't to be.
Lattimore was actively targeted as a weak link. His coverage flaws were exposed, and his poor technique led to frustrating defensive pass interference penalties. Just when it looked like the tide might be turning, the former Ohio State standout suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 9 against the Seattle Seahawks.
That will probably be the last time anyone sees Lattimore in a Washington uniform.
Commanders restructure Sam Cosmi's contract
- Cap savings: $9.85 million
There haven't been many positives for the Commanders this season. However, the triumphant return to health of veteran right guard Sam Cosmi is one of them.
Cosmi tore his ACL during the Commanders' stunning playoff divisional round win over the Detroit Lions. It was a long, hard road back for the Texas product, but he managed to get the all-clear to take his place back in the starting lineup in Week 7 against the Dallas Cowboys.
It took time for Cosmi to find his football legs again, as expected. Still, his performances in recent weeks confirmed his status as one of the league's most consistent interior protectors — someone the Commanders will be relying upon for the foreseeable future.
Given Cosmi's unquestioned importance to the team's future, the Commanders could restructure his contract if they want additional financial flexibility. That's kicking the can down the road, but the need for investment means it cannot be dismissed entirely.
Commanders extend Laremy Tunsil
- Cap savings: $15.84 million
The Washington Commanders have suffered more than most teams this season. They've massively underachieved, but at least one gamble by general manager Adam Peters has paid off handsomely.
Peters knew he had a superstar in franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels. The front-office leader invested heavily in the protection in front of him, and the Commanders' trade to secure five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil's services from the Houston Texans was the most daring move of all.
Tunsil's credentials need no introduction. He's been as advertised in Washington, providing elite-level pass protection, crushing run blocking, and expert mentorship to first-round rookie Josh Conerly Jr. The former Ole Miss standout is a cornerstone piece. The Commanders should confirm this with an extension in advance during the offseason.
The blindside enforcer wants a new contract. Washington should grant Tunsil's wish when the offseason arrives, also saving them money on their 2026 salary cap.
Commandersw cut or trade Daron Payne
- Dead money: $11.2 million
- Cap savings: $16.81 million
Daron Payne started the campaign impressively. The veteran defensive tackle looked focused, explosive, and finally ready to make his mark as the alpha dog after Washington released his long-term running mate, Jonathan Allen. Unfortunately, his production has started to dip at the worst possible time.
Payne isn't alone in failing to meet expectations. The Commanders' defense has been nothing short of abysmal once again this season, and quarterback Jayden Daniels hasn't been healthy enough or consistent enough to mask these failings. Even so, the former Alabama standout is held to a higher standard.
He's the team's largest salary cap hit this season and next, which is the final year of his deal. Payne would probably like to get another contract in advance, but there is a chance it goes the other way.
Adam Peters has a not-so-simple choice. Either he sees Payne as part of his plans and rewards him accordingly, or he lets the interior defensive lineman leave via trade or release.