General manager Adam Peters has an enormous amount to get through in the coming days. The Washington Commanders have some problems to figure out, and this is no more evident than at center.
Whatever plan Peters had this offseason has blown up in his face.
Nick Allegretti, who was projected to start, has missed almost the entire summer after sustaining a calf strain on the first day of training camp. Those below him on the depth chart haven't come close to meeting expectations, and drastic action is now needed.
Texans expert's Jake Andrews trade claim could potentially tempt the Commanders
And a potential development brewing elsewhere could be a solution to this glaring flaw.
Houston Texans expert Clayton Anderson of Toro Times thought the AFC South club should entertain trade offers for Jake Andrews. He's been a starter in recent years, but that doesn't look likely to be the case this time around. And with others also capable of manning the center spot, general manager Nick Caserio may look to get something back in return.
Calling the Commanders should be his top priority in this scenario.
"Texans center Jake Andrews may be traded due to being beaten out by incoming rookie Keylan Rutledge for the position, along with being squeezed by teammates like Jarrett Paterson, Evan Brown, and Febechi Nwaiwu, who are versatile enough to play several positions along the interior."
Andrews isn't an All-Pro, but he is a serviceable starting option with experience. He missed the entire 2024 campaign through injury but played more than 1,000 snaps last season. There were flaws, but for Washington, desperate times call for desperate measures.
This wouldn't cost the earth, either.
The Commanders could probably get Andrews for a late-round pick swap, a late-round pick in later years, or maybe even a player-for-player transaction if Houston likes someone who isn't going to make Washington's squad.
Missing out on Tyler Linderbaum was a blow. Not identifying another veteran free agent and waiting until the sixth round to draft a center were self-inflicted errors on Peters' part. The cracks are already showing, and with Allegretti's status still in doubt, the time to act is now.
Perhaps the Commanders will stand pat. Perhaps they'll try to find another option via the waiver wire after final cuts. Or perhaps Peters will swing for the fences with a trade.
There is just no telling for sure. But something must be done.
Andrews is in the final year of his deal, counting $3.67 million against the salary cap in 2026, so he may not be a long-term fix. However, the former Troy star could be a much better short-term stopgap than anything the Commanders have right now, especially if he improves his run blocking.
Time will tell, but nothing should be off the table.
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