Which Washington Commanders players could be spared from an early release after the NFL confirmed a whopping salary-cap hike in 2024?
The Washington Commanders were in a strong financial position heading into an important offseason under the new regime. After the NFL confirmed a huge increase in the salary cap, it got even better.
According to Spotrac, the Commanders have $96.44 million in available financial resources. Established stars need to be extended and draft picks signed, but it would be a huge surprise if general manager Adam Peters wasn't a big player in free agency.
Of course, this number could increase further with early releases and contract restructures. But could having more space than originally anticipated change the Commanders' course with some individuals currently under contract?
With this in mind, here are four Commanders players who could be spared after the NFL's lofty salary-cap hike in 2024.
Tress Way - Commanders P
Tress Way's regression and the fact he's currently the NFL's fourth-highest-paid punter left his future with the Washington Commanders in doubt. The Pro Bowler's been an integral part of the organization under previous regimes. Unfortunately for the veteran, the 2023 campaign was arguably the worst of his professional career.
Cutting Way with one year remaining on his deal would save the Commanders $3.15 million in cap space with just $600,000 in dead money attached. Now that general manager Adam Peters has some additional money to work with, keeping the former Oklahoma college star could be a no-brainer when it's all said and done.
After that, things are less certain.
Charles Leno Jr. - Commanders OT
The Washington Commanders have to get better along their offensive line this offseason. Their production overall was nothing short of disgraceful. It made things incredibly difficult for Sam Howell, who became the league's most-sacked quarterback as a result.
This is something that won't go unnoticed by new general manager Adam Peters. He knows the importance of having stable protection from his time on the San Francisco 49ers. The Commanders also boast the necessary financial and draft resources to finally prioritize this critical area of NFL play.
What this means for Charles Leno Jr.'s future remains to be seen. The veteran left tackle was solid if not spectacular last season. He's not the long-term blindside answer, but there could be some merit in keeping him around on the final year of his deal if the options around him improve.
Leno is counting more than $15 million against Washington's salary cap in 2024. That seems like a lot to some considering his talent, but it's probably below average for starting left tackles league-wide all things considered.
The former seventh-round selection looked like a primary cut candidate, especially if the Commanders find a better edge option for their new rookie quarterback. Thanks to the salary cap increase announced by the NFL, it's provided enough leeway to retain Leno and keep a much-needed sense of continuity.
Andrew Wylie - Commanders OT
Andrew Wylie came to the Washington Commanders following his starring Super Bowl performance for the Kansas City Chiefs. Those in power felt that instantly reuniting the right tackle with Eric Bieniemy could prove beneficial. There wasn't much money to spend last spring. Considering the contract allocated to the veteran, it's clear he was a high priority.
Wylie looked a little lost for the most part. The edge protector found life difficult to generate any sort of consistent momentum. There were clear confidence issues against speedier pass-rushers. He did flash good moments - especially on running downs - but it was largely underwhelming overall.
What the Commanders do with Wylie moving forward is a hot topic of discussion. His close ally Bienieny is no longer around. That could indicate his time in Washington might be short-lived under a new coaching regime and with plenty of assets at the team's disposal.
Of course, it makes no real financial sense to cut Wylie unless they defer most of the dead money to 2025 with a post-June 1 designation. His $9.41 million alary-cap hit is high, but perhaps there is another way rather than dismissing him after one season.
While Wylie's production on the edge wouldn't be classed as stellar last season, considering a switch to the interior could be just what the player is after at this stage of his career. Otherwise, the Commanders will have a highly expensive backup on their hands.
Nick Gates - Commanders OL
Another veteran offensive lineman who arrived in free agency last year was Nick Gates. The versatile interior presence was seen as someone who could provide an immediate upgrade on center Chase Roullier, who dealt with some injury concerns and became a salary-cap casualty once his replacement was acquired.
To say Gates struggled right out of the gate would be something of an understatement. He looked undersized. Some technical aspects of his production weren't up to the required standard. It takes a lot for Ron Rivera to give up on a starter. But he was left with no choice other than to install Tyler Larsen into the lineup.
Gates performed better down the stretch when given reps, but it was yet another offensive line acquisition that failed to reap instant rewards. Something that's come with the inevitable speculation about his future this offseason.
There's a chance Gates is cut despite the minimal savings involved. Much will depend on what additions the Commanders can make in free agency or the draft. This is something the player and his representatives will be watching extremely closely in the coming weeks.
That said, the Commanders have enough financial assets - which were bolstered by the larger-than-expected salary-cap increase announced by the NFL - to absorb his $5.65 million hit next season with minimal fuss. Even if that means Gates will be a backup option based on his first campaign in Washington.