The Washington Commanders find themselves in a strong financial position heading into the 2026 offseason. General manager Adam Peters has maintained flexibility to make the moves needed, and the club should be extremely active with so many holes to fill.
Peters was given a helping hand by the larger-than-expected salary-cap hike, which will take it over $300 million for the first time. Business is booming in the NFL, and the Commanders need to maximize every cent with very few high-end draft picks available currently.
There is also a chance that even more money can be made available before free agency rolls around. Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil's extension should provide short-term relief. There is also a strong possibility that some veteran players under contract will be released early.
Commanders could find it hard to justify Nick Allegretti's cap number in 2026
Some decisions look simpler than others. Alex Ballentine of The Bleacher Report added his name to the growing list of people finding it hard to justify interior offensive lineman Nick Allegretti's salary-cap hit when he will be nothing more than a versatile backup in 2026.
"Nick Allegretti's contract made sense when started all 17 games for the Commanders last season. Now that he's been relegated to being the utility offensive lineman off the bench, his $7.2 million cap hit is a little harder to justify. His versatility and willingness to step in at center or guard could keep him around, but even that might involve a pay cut."Alex Ballentine
Allegretti can play anywhere on the interior. His production as the starting center over the final two games of 2025, when Tyler Biadasz got hurt, was encouraging. Good linemen willing to slot in anywhere are hard to find. What the Commanders need to figure out is whether they can find similar or better for cheaper.
Cutting Allegretti saves the Commanders $3.64 million on their 2026 cap with $3.53 million in dead money. That leaves another hole to fill, especially considering Washington's offensive tackle depth — Andrew Wylie, Trent Scott, and George Fant — are all on their way out the door.
This is one of many complex riddles for Peters and others in positions of power to solve in the coming weeks. The Commanders can easily absorb the final year of Allegretti's deal. But with starting left guard Chris Paul looking to be re-signed, it could legitimately go either way.
Allegretti is a solid pro, but his overall two-year stint in Washington has been largely underwhelming so far. If he does get a reprieve, it will be as an understudy and nothing more.