Adam Peters and Dan Quinn oversaw dramatic improvements from the Washington Commanders in 2024. This brings increased expectations for everyone associated with the franchise's growth.
The Commanders made some impressive moves this offseason. Peters took some calculated risks in the trade market, made one big splash in free agency, re-signed many free agents, and acquired some intriguing veterans with winning experience on one-year deals. This was a recipe for success during the previous campaign. He's hoping for the same again.
At the same time, this is an ongoing assessment. Peters is always thinking two steps ahead. He's maintained future financial flexibility, with the Commanders projected to have around $100 million in salary-cap space next year with only 29 players under contract.
Hopes are high that last season's heroics could be the start of a prosperous new era for an organization that's been dragged through the mud for two decades. This is not the laughingstock of old. The Commanders mean business, and Peters' aggressive mindset should keep urgency high within the locker room.
If some high-earners aren't pulling their weight, Peters won't hesitate to remove them from the equation. With this in mind, here are five extremely early Commanders salary-cap cut candidates in 2026.
All financial figures come via Over the Cap.
Extremely early Commanders salary-cap cut candidates in 2026
Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL
- 2026 salary-cap saving: $3.64 million
- Dead cap money: $3.53 million
Nick Allegretti had a solid if not spectacular first season with the Washington Commanders. The interior offensive lineman came into the organization after starring for the Kansas City Chiefs during their run to another Super Bowl. His winning mindset and relentless commitment represented a breath of fresh air. Although sketchy, the production was decent enough.
It wasn't perfect, not by any stretch of the imagination. Allegretti showed vulnerability in pass protection and lacked consistency at times on running plays. The left guard should start again in 2025, but improvements are needed to firmly establish himself as a franchise cornerstone for years to come.
There's a good chance Allegretti can make strides. He won't have a rookie left tackle to think about this season. Instead, the former Illinois standout has one of the league's best blindside enforcers to work alongside after the Commanders made a bombshell trade for Laremy Tunsil.
Allegretti stands to benefit greatly from Tunsil's arrival. But if improvements don't arrive, a situation could emerge where the Commanders find a potential replacement next spring.
Hopefully, it doesn't come to that. Allegretti and Tunsil have the makings of a productive left-hand tandem on the offensive line. Let's hope that comes to fruition.