The Washington Commanders have many problems to solve during the 2026 offseason. And regardless of how things unfold over the next five games, there is an inevitable fate awaiting one veteran performer of whom much was expected.
Adam Peters went all in to mount another deep playoff push during his second recruitment period at the helm. It was commendable to recognize the exceptional strides made in 2024 and to adjust to higher expectations. Unfortunately, it hasn't gone according to plan, so there needs to be a sense of consolidation next spring.
Difficult choices are coming. The Commanders have the most pending free agents anywhere in the NFL. Not everyone will be moved on, but not everyone will come along for the ride, either.
Commanders could release Nick Allegretti during the offseason after underwhelming stint
There are also tough decisions to make regarding those under contract. Some could be extended in advance. Others look like candidates for early release, which brings Nick Allegretti's future firmly under the microscope.
The Commanders gave Allegretti a three-year deal in 2024 free agency, which came after his starring role for the Kansas City Chiefs deep into the postseason en route to another Super Bowl. He won the starting left guard job easily, but his indifferent performances were somewhat masked by quarterback Jayden Daniels' exceptional escapability in his mesmerizing rookie year.
That went largely overlooked by fans, but not in Washington's front office. Peters traded for Laremy Tunsil and used the No. 29 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Josh Conerly Jr., providing the Commanders with a bookend tackle tandem. Still, it meant Allegretti's future was increasingly precarious.
Allegretti got one final chance to prove himself, filling in for the injured Sam Cosmi at right guard. That switch was an unmitigated disaster. The former Illinois star got benched after two games and has been seldom seen since. The writing is firmly on the wall regarding his future beyond the current campaign, and the Commanders will not want a backup lineman costing more than $7 million against their salary cap.
Releasing Allegretti before June 1 results in $3.53 million in dead money, compared to $3.64 million in savings. If Peters waits until after the new league year begins, it will cost $1.17 million with $6 million saved.
Perhaps the Commanders might be willing to find a willing trade suitor for Allegretti, but teams will know his precarious situation. Either way, it seems his Washington run is coming to a close, and his performances have not met the required standard.
And with Washington's new starting left guard, Chris Paul, doing more than enough for a new deal, Allegretti's release could free up the money needed to keep him around.