The Washington Commanders find themselves in a healthy financial position entering the offseason. Just as well, because general manager Adam Peters has a plethora of roster needs and an untold number of tough choices ahead.
Washington's roster will look very different when it's time to ramp up preparations for the 2026 campaign. Peters must be ruthlessly aggressive to get this project back on the right track. Not everyone will be pleased with the outcomes, but the team is all that matters.
According to Over the Cap, the Commanders have $63.41 million in available cap space with 52 players under contract. Marshon Lattimore's inevitable release will add another $18.5 million, so there are far worse spots for Peters to be in before a critical free agency period.
If the Commanders want to add even more dollars to their 2026 cap, there is a simple way to do so without cutting a single player. This also represents a win-win scenario that will happen sooner rather than later.
Commanders can create even more cap space with inevitable Laremy Tunsil extension
Even though the Commanders' season fell by the wayside, Peters decision to trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil was a roaring success. He was arguably the team's best player in 2025, providing elite-level pass protection and bone-crushing run blocking to completely overwhelm almost everyone in his path.
Tunsil also became a significant behind-the-scenes leadership presence, mentoring rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. throughout his initial NFL transition. A lack of motivation was reportedly one of the main reasons the Houston Texans parted ways with the blindside enforcer, but their decision was Washington's gain beyond a doubt.
Now, Tunsil wants to be paid. He's already sent subtle messages to the front office about his desire to secure a lucrative contract extension in advance. Peters wants the same, so hopefully this won't drag out like the Terry McLaurin saga last summer.
That is not going to be cheap. Tunsil could reset the market, with projections of $30 million per year on the contract being touted by the media. This is the price Peters knew he might have to pay if the trade went well. And having one of the league's best tackles protecting quarterback Jayden Daniels is priceless.
This could also save the Commanders money on their 2026 cap. Over the Cap projects an extension for Tunsil will create $16.85 million in additional financial flexibility for Washington. While his cap number will skyrocket in the years after, it's some extra breathing space for Peters to bring in the quality needed for immediate and long-term growth.
That's just an added bonus to getting Tunsil tied down for the remainder of his career. And looking at the work ahead for Peters to get this squad up to the required standards, he'll need every cent at his disposal.