The Washington Commanders harbored grand plans to cement their place at the NFL's top table this season. An aggressive offseason made them one of the Super Bowl favorites, and they were widely perceived as a team on the rise with limitless potential.
Nobody saw what was coming next. The Commanders endured more hardship than most. They couldn't sustain any momentum, and injuries decimated a once-promising roster. Head coach Dan Quinn didn't lose the locker room, but recent reports suggest that all wasn't as it appeared behind the scenes.
Fans have been waiting a long time for the offseason to arrive. Adam Peters is widely expected to make significant changes to both the playing personnel and the coaching staff. Quinn's job is safe for now, but that won't be the case for much longer if the Commanders don't make the desired improvements next season.
It's an uncertain but exciting time. It's a time for reflection, for consolidation, and finally putting the long-term strategy in place for sustainable growth. Peers was right to push his chips into the middle last year. However, the pendulum must shift toward becoming younger and more dynamic during his third recruitment period at the helm.
For some, this officially marks the end of the road in Washington. With this in mind, here are 10 Commanders players who definitely won't be back in 2026.
Commanders players who definitely won't be back in 2026
Andrew Wylie - Commanders OL
The Washington Commanders' offensive line has been a bright spot this season. They are hard to find, but the protection provides a solid foundation for building the offense next season.
That won't be good news for everybody.
Andrew Wylie could be among those permitted to take his chances elsewhere. He lost his starting spot this season when the Commanders drafted Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 29 overall. The experienced pro stepped into the breach and played well at the right guard position until Sam Cosmi returned, but he's a fringe player when everyone is healthy.
Good offensive line depth is hard to find, so a situation could emerge where Wylie gets another short-term deal with the Commanders. However, the Super Bowl winner may want to explore possibilities to start elsewhere, and the tape he's put together this season gives him a fighting chance of doing just that.
Wylie was solid during his three years in Washington. Still, this seems like a good time for both parties to go their separate ways.