Jonathan Allen and 4 Commanders cut candidates in 2025 at the bye week
By Dean Jones
Phidarian Mathis - Commanders DT
- 2025 salary-cap savings: $1.72 million
- 2025 dead cap figure: $659,796
Things looked promising once upon a time for Phidarian Mathis earlier this season. That's not the case anymore.
Jonathan Allen's unfortunate injury gave the former second-round selection extended playing time, rotating with rookie Johnny Newton in the veteran's absence. It looked like a promising tandem, sharing responsibilities depending on the situation.
Things are less certain now. The emergence of Sheldon Day as a valuable contributor has pushed Mathis down the pecking order. He was a healthy scratch in Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans, which is a damning indictment of how the coaching staff perceives his performance levels.
Mathis' 29.0 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus ranks 205th out of 208 qualifying interior defensive linemen. His pass-rushing grade of 55.7 is a little better, but it's nothing to shout too proudly about.
The Alabama product has a lot of hard work ahead in pursuit of carving out a role for himself. A situation could also emerge where general manager Adam Peters gets rid of another Ron Rivera draft pick with almost no financial ramifications attached.
Percy Butler - Commanders S
- 2025 salary-cap savings: $1.1 million
- 2025 dead-cap figure: $197,255
The Commanders are eagerly anticipating the return of stud cornerback Marshon Lattimore after the bye week. He's not seen the field in a competitive setting since Washington secured his services from the New Orleans Saints. All signs point to the four-time Pro Bowler making his long-awaited bow in Week 15 against his old employers.
This will be a timely boost for the Commanders. They have questions elsewhere in the secondary, although second-round rookie Mike Sainristil and free-agent signing Noah Igbinoghene look capable of being part of the team's plans moving forward.
Benjamin St-Juste is out of contract next spring and might not return. Former first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes Jr. has already been released. Safety Percy Butler could suffer the same fate when the campaign concludes.
Butler's been involved plenty throughout the season, but the consistency just isn't where it needs to be. His cheap contract and special teams prowess might be enough to keep him around. However, the Commanders could just as easily cut him loose - especially if undrafted free agent Tyler Owens develops further throughout his second offseason with the franchise.
If the Commanders can find a better depth piece, they could dispose of Butler with little fanfare attached. Something that would save $1.1 million on their salary cap along the way.
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