The Washington Commanders are busy placing their chess pieces on the board before making the desired moves in free agency. There have been very few surprises so far, but one decision caught everyone completely off guard.
And it wasn't just the fans or media either.
Releasing starting center Tyler Biadasz was a massive gamble from the Commanders. The veteran had been a solid performer over the last two years, providing assured on-field production and quiet leadership within the locker room. He was being touted as a candidate for an early extension, but general manager Adam Peters cut the cord instead.
The move was met with shock and bemusement in equal measure. And based on versatile offensive lineman Andrew Wylie's comments, it also caused a few eyebrow-raises among Biadasz's now former teammates, too.
Andrew Wylie outlines surprise at Tyler Biadasz's abrupt Commanders exit
During an appearance on 106.7 The Fan, Wylie highlighted Biadasz's strengths while also stating his surprise that the Commanders went in this direction. It's all part of the business, of course, but the Super Bowl winner's reaction indicates the recently released center leaves behind a gaping hole that must be filled.
"I think it caught everybody by surprise. He's a hell of a player and a great teammate, too. I know he's gonna land on his feet. There was some shock on the players, but things like that happen with every team, every season. There's always going to be a handful of those, but I will reiterate the fact that he's a great room guy and a hell of a player as well."
The Commanders gave Wylie a new deal, making him a valuable swing option capable of playing almost anywhere across the protection. Washington also handed Nick Allegretti a new two-year extension ahead of time, which will give him a shot to at least compete for the starting center role in 2026. He might even be the guy right now, but that hasn't been confirmed.
It would be surprising if another possibility didn't arrive, either via free agency or the draft. This would give the Commanders a contingency plan if Allegretti fluffs his lines. Keeping him around as another versatile depth option is far more feasible than giving him starting responsibilities, which haven't gone well more often than not.
This won't have been a rash decision. After all, the Commanders don't need the money.
Biadasz's release was likely more about the scheme new offensive coordinator David Blough plans to run and the blocking concepts that come with it. They felt that a better fit was required, and regardless of whether it's Allegretti or someone else, Washington cannot get this decision wrong.
That would be nothing short of disastrous for the team and star quarterback Jayden Daniels.