Commanders news: Adam Peters, Jamin Davis, Caleb Williams and axe wielding

Commanders release three veterans

The Washington Commanders are in a strong financial position heading into free agency. This improved further after the franchise confirmed three prominent veterans had been released ahead of time.

Nick Gates' first and only season with the Commanders didn't go according to plan. The veteran offensive lineman got the starting center position right out of the gate. He struggled to generate any significant momentum and was benched in favor of Tyler Larsen. Although he performed better when reintroduced, his future didn't look especially bright with a new regime coming into the fold.

Another to receive his marching orders was Logan Thomas. The veteran tight end endured some rough luck on the injury front in recent years but managed to stay relatively healthy in 2023. His numbers were solid if not spectacular, leaving general manager Adam Peters comfortable in parting ways with the former Virginia Tech star. Something that saves the Commanders more than $6 million to spend elsewhere.

The Commanders are also on the lookout for a new left tackle after making Charles Leno Jr. surplus to requirements. He has been a consistent performer and a valuable community presence since joining the team. He'll also leave a significant hole in the locker room thanks to his outstanding leadership credentials.

Releasing Leno was seen as a necessary evil by the Commanders, especially considering the player is about to have hip surgery. It's another hole to fill for Peters, who has almost a blank slate to work with during his first offseason as Washington's front-office leader.