The Washington Commanders are in a healthy financial position this offseason. General manager Adam Peters doesn't need to cut anybody to save salary-cap space like others around the league. That didn't stop the front-office leader from shocking fans with a release nobody saw coming.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, which was later confirmed by local beat writers, the Commanders and Tyler Biadasz have gone their separate ways. The experienced center started for Washington over the last two seasons, providing dependability while also developing a strong connection with quarterback Jayden Daniels along the way. To say this was surprising to most would be an understatement.
The Commanders were expected to bring all five of their starting offensive lineman back in 2026, provided they re-signed Chris Paul. Biadasz was heading into the final year of his deal, and Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic even suggested he could be considered for an extension in advance. Peters and head coach Dan Quinn went the other way.
Commanders better have a good plan after releasing Tyler Biadasz
Releasing Biadasz results in $8.1 million in dead money, compared to $2.88 million in savings. If the Commanders designate this as a post-June 1 release, they save $8.28 million with $2.7 million in dead cash. That doesn't become available until later on in the process, but they can plan around it in free agency.
Biadasz was a dependable pro and well-liked in the locker room. He was brought to Washington from the Dallas Cowboys when Quinn took the same plunge in 2024. Injuries ended his 2025 season early, but reports suggest his early departure was not health-related but purely performance-based.
It's a stunning development. Still, the Commanders wouldn't have made this move if there wasn't already a plan of attack in place that those in power believe can enhance consistency at the offensive line anchor spot.
Perhaps candidates like Tyler Linderbaum, Cade Mays, Lloyd Cushberry, or Connor McGovern will be targets in free agency. The Commanders could find a productive starter in the draft, which might be difficult with only two picks in the first four rounds. Or perhaps Washington already has a solution on its roster.
Nick Allegretti performed well at center over the last two games when Biadasz got hurt. The Commanders may also give Brandon Coleman a chance to earn the role. There is just no telling for sure right now, but Peters and Quinn have to get this decision right.
The center is one of the most important pieces for Daniels — the entire offense, for that matter. They make the pre-snap calls, are tasked with snapping the ball effectively, and need to provide either run blocking or pass protection, all within a few short seconds on every play.
Biadasz handled these significant responsibilities admirably. But the Commanders moved in a different direction regardless.