Which Washington Commanders players could be early cut candidates in 2024 based on what we've witnessed up to the midseason point?
Great change is coming to the Washington Commanders. That much we do now amid all the uncertainty.
Josh Harris' ownership group has spent the last few months assessing everything associated with the franchise, including the football operation. They now feel comfortable about involving themselves when it comes to matters in this area, which means it promises to be an intriguing few months before and during the 2024 offseason.
This all centers around the futures of head coach Ron Rivera and others in positions of power. The Commanders could also free up additional funds on their salary cap despite having $91.54 million available to spend currently.
Harris' group has already laid out their intentions to make sacrifices if needed by trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young. But which players could be early-cut candidates at the 2023 midseason point?
All financial figures provided by Over the Cap.
Commanders could cut Camaron Cheeseman
- Cap savings - $1.05 million
- Dead money - $32,676
Things have settled down for long-snapper Camaron Cheeseman after a rocky start to the campaign. However, if the Washington Commanders feel like a better option is out there, they would be foolish not to explore the possibility.
This comes with minimal financial savings attached. But if Cheeseman wants to see out his contract with the Commanders in 2024, the former sixth-round selection must finish the season on a positive note.
Commanders could cut Logan Thomas
- Cap savings - $6.56 million
- Dead money - $1.75 million
It's been refreshing to see Logan Thomas put a consistent run of games together this season. The tight end's endured some rough injury luck of late, but he's remained relatively healthy and has become a reliable weapon for quarterback Sam Howell to call upon across the middle and in the red zone.
The numbers are not spectacular by any stretch. But Howell's level of comfort when targeting Thomas is a testament to the strong rapport between the pair if nothing else.
Thomas has brought in 33 receptions from 46 targets for 311 receiving yards and three touchdowns up to now. If the same trend continues over the second half of 2023, the converted quarterback could be in line for his best statistical campaign since 2020.
Whether that would be enough for Thomas to get another year - the last of his deal - remains to be seen. The Virginia Tech product is set to count $8.31 million against the Commanders' salary cap in 2024, which means cutting the player with $6.56 million in savings attached cannot be completely dismissed.
Washington would need a contingency plan if this is the path they choose. New analytics guru Eugene Shen spoke recently about the importance of having a prolific tight end, so going down the draft route for someone like Brock Bowers is an option to consider.
Cole Turner, John Bates, and Curtis Hodges also remain on the books for now. So letting Thomas go and acquiring a legitimate No. 1 option from the college ranks will be discussed at length, one suspects.
Commanders could cut Andrew Wylie
- Cap savings - $4.25 million (post-June 1 designation)
- Dead money - $5.16 million
When the Washington Commanders signed veteran right tackle Andrew Wylie in free agency, it came with a mixed reaction. He was coming off a Super Bowl triumph with the Kansas City Chiefs and had the trust of Eric Bieniemy, but he gave up a significant amount of quarterback pressures in 2022 - something that came with an obvious sense of concern.
Wylie's gone through some complications, but the same can be said of almost everyone on the offensive line. Things are beginning to turn around thanks to the introduction of Saahdiq Charles and Tyler Larsen into the starting lineup, but there are times when the edge presence gets exposed without extra assistance.
If the Commanders look for another - more stable - offensive line revamp as expected next spring, it casts doubt on the future of Wylie and others. With a $9.14 million salary cap next season, that's a lot to be spending on a backup tackle if those in power find the necessary upgrades.
The former undrafted free agent out of Eastern Michigan has featured in 616 offensive snaps this season, giving up five sacks and four penalties. Wylie's had some nice moments, but the consistency isn't where it needs to be - certainly nowhere near enough to justify such a large financial commitment in 2024.
Cutting Wylie with a post-June 1 designation does come with more than $5 million in dead money. But the $4.25 million savings attached could be better spent elsewhere if the Commanders acquire other capable starters via free agency or the draft.
Commanders could cut Dyami Brown
- Cap savings - $1.33 million
- Dead money - $267,410
It seemed a big opportunity was awaiting Dyami Brown this season. A new play-caller with a big reputation came into the fold and his former college quarterback became the starter, so there was a lot to like about the wide receiver's chances of a genuine breakout campaign.
Sadly, this hasn't come to fruition as yet. Brown's been an afterthought in the passing game more often than not, gaining just eight receptions from 15 targets for 120 receiving yards through nine games.
Brown is also having difficulty with drops, which hasn't gone unnoticed by Eric Bieniemy and is contributing to the lack of trust. While his salary-cap hit isn't exactly breaking the bank next season, the Commanders might decide to move on in any case if they find themselves another dynamic weapon or two.
Things just haven't come together for Brown. He came into the Commanders with decent expectations after a standout college career at North Carolina, but that same chemistry between the wideout and Sam Howell hasn't made its way to the next level as yet.
Among the things that could keep Brown around to fight for his roster spot are the salary implications, the fact Curtis Samuel is out of contract, and if Howell gets a seal of approval from Josh Harris' ownership group to become the team's long-term option at football's most important position.
However, it's hard to look at his contribution so far with anything other than disappointment.
Commanders could cut Charles Leno Jr.
- Cap savings - $12 million (post-June 1 designation)
- Dead money - $3.75 million
There is so much sentiment in football from a fan standpoint. It's easy to forget that is a business above all else and players are viewed by ownership as commodities rather than anything too deep.
Josh Harris' approach with his other sports franchises centers on analytics and making cutthroat choices in pursuit of progression. That's the same ethos he'll bring to the Washington Commanders and there will be no sentiment attached to any personnel moves as a result.
This will be especially evident if Harris goes with a different general manager or head coach. Upon further examination of the biggest savings that might make sense, veteran left tackle Charles Leno Jr. jumps out immediately.
Leno has once again proven his worth as the Commanders' most consistent offensive lineman this season. He's a supreme leader within the locker room and one of the most high-character individuals you'll ever meet.
But again, this is a business.
If the Commanders prioritize upgrading the protection in front of Sam Howell and draft a premium edge protector with their first-round selection, Leno becomes a very expensive backup unless he's shifted to another spot. Cutting him with a post-June 1 designation saves the Commanders $12 million, which is a lofty sum whichever way one looks at it.
The former seventh-round selection has given his heart and soul to Washington. Leno is also a hugely respected figure within the community, which makes this early cut tougher than most if it's something the Commanders end up doing.