Washington Commanders fans won't have to wait much longer before general manager Adam Peters' big recruitment plans are revealed. The team is expected to make wholesale changes to the playing personnel after a five-win campaign. Before then, those in power must decide on the futures of veterans about to come off the books.
The Commanders have the most pending free agents anywhere in the league. Peters gambled on one-year deals as Washington moved into a win-now mindset. That didn't work, but at least the front-office leader kept the franchise's financial flexibility intact.
Some difficult decisions are coming. But for one player, his fate is seemingly sealed.
Commanders' three-year relationship with Andrew Wylie has run its course
Andrew Wylie was a marquee addition to the Commanders in 2023 free agency. The two-time Super Bowl winner with the Kansas City Chiefs decided to link back up with then-offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy in Washington, but after spending his first two seasons as the starting right tackle, he got demoted entering the final year of his deal.
The Commanders traded for left tackle Laremy Tunsil. More significantly for Wylie's outlook, they also spent the No. 29 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft on Josh Conerly Jr., who earned the right to start opposite the five-time Pro Bowler.
Wylie was left as a backup, but it didn't last for long. Nick Allegretti's transition to the right guard position went horribly, and he was benched after just two games. The Eastern Michigan product slotted in next to Conerly at the interior position and performed relatively well in difficult circumstances.
This was always going to be temporary. When Sam Cosmi returned to health after a torn ACL, Wylie was relegated to a reserve role once again. He plays in spots over the second half of 2025, but all signs point to a departure in free agency unless there is a drastic shift in course.
Keeping Wylie around cannot be entirely dismissed. He's got plenty of starting experience and can line up inside or on the edge. That sort of versatility is typically coveted in backup offensive linemen around the league, so there could be a better-than-expected market for the eight-year pro if he gets to test free agency as anticipated.
At this relatively late stage of his playing career, Wylie may also be looking for an opportunity to compete for a starting spot. That won't happen in Washington with Conerly and Cosmi on the right-hand side of the protection. And in all honesty, this three-year relationship between the player and the club has seemingly run its course.
Wylie needs to be replaced. But given his overall inconsistencies in Washington, that should be a straightforward exercise for Peters.