Adam Peters is getting ready to embark on his second offseason as general manager. The Washington Commanders are in great hands with the respected front-office figure. If he can find the right recruits via the draft and spend wisely in free agency, this franchise could be among the challengers in Year 2 of his comprehensive rebuild.
Peters is a shrewd talent evaluator. He's adopted a tremendous culture within the football operation, focusing on collaboration and professionalism. He's always keeping the bigger picture in mind but isn't afraid to be aggressive when opportunities arise.
The Commanders are ahead of schedule with eight wins so far and a postseason spot in sight. More importantly, perceptions are changing around the league. Players are also reportedly telling their agents to get them a move to Washington according to respected NFL insider Adam Schefter.
This is a strong position to be in. Peters also has some tough choices to make with current playing personnel. Some are out of contract. Others are in danger of being let go ahead of time.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders players who could be potential cut candidates in 2025 at the bye week.
All financial figures are courtesy of Over the Cap.
Commanders cut candidates in 2025 at the bye week
Jonathan Allen - Commanders DT
- 2025 salary-cap savings: $17 million
- 2025 dead-cap figure: $6 million
Jonathan Allen is the first name that comes up when discussing potential cut candidates. The Washington Commanders defensive tackle was an outstanding force at the peak of his powers and remains an inspirational leader within the locker room. His production has dipped significantly over the last two seasons.
Allen's ability against the run is waning. Couple this with a torn bicep that ruled him out for the entire campaign, and it's not hard to see why his time in Washington might be coming to an end.
The Commanders have Daron Payne and Johnny Newton, who could be an impactful interior tandem. There are also the financial implications of cutting Allen to factor into the equation.
Washington would save $17 million by removing Allen ahead of time with a $6 million dead-cap figure. Perhaps general manager Adam Peters would be better off looking for a trade partner in this scenario, but teams might be reluctant to part ways with draft capital on an aging player coming off a serious injury.
It'll be interesting to see how the Commanders handle this situation. They could easily keep him around. But it could go the other way when push comes to shove.
Andrew Wylie - Commanders OT
- 2025 salary-cap savings: $7.75 million
- 2025 dead-cap figure: $2.66 million
The Washington Commanders offensive line has made great strides this season. Adam Peters' additions throughout the spring have paid off handsomely. Bobby Johnson coached them to be a cohesive unit quickly by implementing blocking concepts that suited their strengths.
That doesn't detract from the difficult situation facing Andrew Wylie this offseason. If there was a weak link, he's it. One only has to look at how well the protection performed in his absence against a stout Tennessee Titans defensive front to see that.
Wylie is solid enough. Even so, the Commanders shouldn't settle. If Peters can find a better long-term option via the draft, he'd be foolish not to consider the possibility. This makes the former Eastern Michigan star's situation precarious.
There are salary-cap benefits to releasing Wylie with one year remaining on his deal. The Commanders would save themselves $7.75 million by cutting the edge protector. If Washington wants to elevate into the top tier of NFL teams, they cannot afford to have any passengers on their journey.
Wylie's production has improved, but that's not enough to guarantee an extended stay.
Jeremy Reaves - Commanders S
- 2025 salary-cap savings: $2.64 million
- 2025 dead-cap figure: $750,000
This is a tricky one.
Jeremy Reaves is an exceptional special teams performer and a driving force within the locker room. It would be shocking to see the Commanders move on from the defensive back, but general manager Adam Peters isn't harboring any sentiment to his decision-making process whatsoever.
Reaves is one of the mainstays. He got an extension from the Commanders this offseason when most personnel from the Ron Rivera era didn't get a reprieve. His performances have been decent enough as a special teams ace. Unfortunately for the veteran, he's not featured much on the defensive rotation.
The former South Alabama standout counts $3.39 million against the salary cap in 2025. That's arguably a lot for someone who has one niche and nothing more. At the same time, Reaves would leave a gaping hole in the special teams' group if the Commanders went in a different direction.
Of all the names on this list, Reaves being cut would be the most surprising. But it couldn't be completely dismissed looking at Peters' business-first approach to the football operation.
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.