Commanders cut Andrew Wylie
- 2025 cap savings: $7.75 million
The Washington Commanders saw some improvements from the offensive line in 2024. When it came to stopping the elite defensive fronts around the league, they were often found wanting.
Washington's frailties in the trenches were exposed in no uncertain terms during their defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game. With right guard Sam Cosmi set to miss most if not all of the 2025 campaign with a torn ACL, general manager Adam Peters needs to treat the protection in front of Jayden Daniels with the urgency it deserves.
This bears special significance on the edge. Left tackle Brandon Coleman did well but went through some rookie growing pains. He's got a productive career ahead of him, but that might be on the interior when it's all said and done.
Andrew Wylie occupied the right tackle spot and didn't give up a sack according to Pro Football Focus. However, the two-time Super Bowl winner struggled on an island and failed to make his presence felt on running plays effectively.
If the Commanders can find an upgrade this offseason, they should. Wylie is making too much money to be a backup, so releasing him with the $7.75 million in savings attached couldn't be completely dismissed.
Commanders restructure Daron Payne
- 2025 cap saving: $12.53 million
I went back and forth with this one.
Daron Payne's performances haven't been up to the required standard more often than not. He's got the physical tools to be dominant, but it's starting to look like his 2022 campaign where he achieved 11.5 sacks and made the Pro Bowl was an anomaly.
Payne's contract is pretty difficult to get off. Cutting him comes with $25.8 million in dead money. Trading him brings $16.8 million with $9.38 million in savings attached. That's not especially smart unless Adam Peters gets an offer they cannot refuse.
If the Commanders decide to retain Payne and find upgrades along the defensive trenches, a contract restructure enters the equation. Washington can afford to absorb his $26.17 million cap number with the resources available. But if Peters wants a little more and has enough confidence in the former first-round pick out of Alabama, tweaking his contract slightly wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
It'll be interesting to see how the Commanders approach this delicate issue. A restructure saves Washington around $10.3 million based on projections to better spend elsewhere.
The Commanders need to fortify their defensive front this offseason. Payne should still be on the books from a financial commitment standpoint if nothing else. That won't be the case in 2026 if the same inconsistencies arrive.