The Washington Commanders took a big risk by releasing starting center Tyler Biadasz and doing almost nothing to replace him this offseason. And before a competitive down is played, this strategy is already unraveling.
Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed as much with a telling statement following the team's preseason loss to the Detroit Lions.
When probed about the offensive line dynamic with final cuts on the horizon, Quinn acknowledged that the center spot is something they need to figure out. Though projected starter Nick Allegretti was missing from the contest as he continues to get healthy following a calf strain, those behind him on the depth chart have not come close to meeting the required standards.
Commanders have a problem at center, and Dan Quinn knows it
And unless there is a miraculous turnaround, don't be surprised if general manager Adam Peters takes drastic action before Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Pro Football Plus: Asked Coach Quinn about the offensive line the guys that started the game and then the other guys throughout the game he particularly talked about work to be done at the center position. pic.twitter.com/NzCqKezKRn
— Donna Hopkins (@DonnaHopkins_) August 22, 2026
Julian Good-Jones is a hard worker. Unfortunately, he is not a starting-caliber lineman. His production at center throughout the offseason hasn't been good enough, and there are more than enough concerns to keep him off the 53-man roster.
That might sound harsh, but the tape speaks for itself.
Sixth-round rookie Matt Gulbin is a work in progress. The Commanders are treating him as a development project, and there are signs that he might even be better suited to guard at the next level. His long-term outlook remains positive, but asking him to log starting reps right out of the gate will do more harm than good.
Allegretti's health is paramount. The Illinois product got hurt on the first day of training camp and left practice last week after experiencing more calf pain. Quinn stated he would be back on the practice field this week, but he has missed vital reps over the summer and into the preseason.
This is a massive problem.
Commanders cannot afford to have any more offensive line instability
The Commanders are already without five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, probably for the entire 2026 campaign. They cannot have instability at the anchor, but the concerns are glaring. Fortunately, it's not going unnoticed, and Quinn's comments were the clearest sign yet that changes are imminent.
Good-Jones will be the one to go, at least from the outside looking in. Gulbin will be around as a rotational piece to continue his development. But if Allegretti cannot stay healthy or underperforms, the Commanders need a much better contingency plan.
That's not up for discussion at this juncture.
Fans have seen it with their own eyes. Quinn confirmed it. And if Peters can find the right fit, the Commanders won't hesitate to raise the stakes with an upgrade.
With so much at stake for the Commanders this season, anything less would be organizational malpractice. But this contentious offseason approach just doesn't look like it's going to work out.
Seeing it now is better than waiting too long.
That's something, at least.
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