As expected, the Washington Commanders won't be missing most of the players who suited up during Friday's blowout preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens. And one of their easiest cuts was weeks in the making.
That would be backup center Julian Good-Jones, who has been anything but the first part of his last name. The veteran journeyman has stepped in with Nick Allegretti missing time due to a calf strain, and it's become obvious that he is a player whom Washington can't afford to be forced to rely on.
Adam Peters evidently feels that way too, as he released Good-Jones on Sunday afternoon. Now, it becomes a question of what happens next.
Commanders' Julian Good-Jones cut shows they're not content with their current options at center
Even with Allegretti unavailable, the Commanders clearly recognize that Good-Jones can't be the answer. They have sixth-round rookie Matt Gulbin to work with for now, but considering his placement on the depth chart this summer, he likely hasn't earned the staff's trust enough to be a short-term starter either.
This signals that another move at center is coming for Washington. If Allegretti is still out for Week 1, and perhaps even if he plays, there's no way the Commanders can enter the season with their current options.
This is what should have been done months ago, after the team released Tyler Biadasz, hoping to secure Tyler Linderbaum or another high-value signing before ultimately settling on Allegretti. But it's better late than never.
Watch out for Peters to work the trade block or waiver wire for some offensive line depth. The New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, and San Francisco 49ers made deals for centers on Sunday, giving away late-round picks in each instance. Washington needs to be actively trying to do the same.
There is also still the option of adding a free agent such as Graham Glasgow, or anyone else who may be released around the league. Whatever the case, something must be done.
The way the Commanders have handled their center situation has been sub-optimal all offseason. Especially where Good-Jones is concerned, it was a major mistake to give him such critical reps instead of addressing the position much sooner. He's been a practice squad player for three seasons in Washington, and everybody knew he wasn't anything more.
Now, Peters has no choice but to bring in some outside help. We'll see what the Commanders do.
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