Andrew Wylie - Commanders OT
- Fate: Released when contract expires in 2026
The Washington Commanders' offensive line has been a plus amid the doom and gloom this season. They've become a cohesive unit, and the return of right guard Sam Cosmi from a torn ACL helped enormously. If Chris Paul gets a new deal from the franchise next spring, their starting five will all return.
That hasn't been good news for everybody. Andrew Wylie is among those who've become an afterthought, and there is a good chance he'll be let go when the time comes for Adam Peters to decide the fate of his free agents.
Wylie started at the right tackle spot for two years, but Josh Conerly Jr.'s arrival meant he wasn't needed on the edge. The two-time Super Bowl winner slotted into the interior well when Nick Allegretti struggled at right guard. But when Cosmi got the all-clear to take his place in the lineup, he went into a backup role once again.
There is no doubt that Wylie wants to be a starter. That won't be in Washington.
Von Miller - Commanders DE
- Fate: Released when contract expires in 2026
Von Miller leads the Commanders in sacks with six this season. That's a positive from the player's standpoint, especially considering he's accumulated just 37 percent of the team's defensive snaps. Still, it's also a damning indictment of Washington's complete lack of investment in the defensive edge.
Fans were deeply concerned that this could hold the Commanders back before the campaign. Adam Peters held a different opinion, but it didn't go as planned. Miller flashed tremendous promise without boasting the same game-wrecking capabilities he displayed earlier in his future first ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame career. However, Washington has to get younger in this critical area of the field.
There is no sugarcoating this anymore. The Commanders' pass rush needs the right investment when Peters' third recruitment period begins. If that means Miller is free to take his chances elsewhere, even if he wants to stay with the club, so be it. But the time for half-measures is over.
Noah Brown - Commanders WR
- Fate: Released when contract expires in 2026
Noah Brown has endured another frustrating year. The wide receiver got a new deal from the Commanders during the offseason, but injuries have once again prevented him from making a significant impact.
Brown's problems began at Washington's mandatory minicamp when he was carted off with a knee injury. That hindered his summer preparations, but he did manage to make it back in time for Week 1. Unfortunately, the former Ohio State standout lasted just two games before an ankle injury left him on the shelf until last weekend against the Minnesota Vikings.
The wideout caught just one pass from two targets for 19 receiving yards in Washington's shutout embarrassment, but he did come through unscathed after playing almost 70 percent of offensive snaps. That was a positive if nothing else. Even so, it doesn't change the fact that those in power need to go in a different direction during the offseason.