Tyler Biadasz's release after two seasons with the Washington Commanders, with one year remaining on his deal, caused a stir. Fans were perplexed, but general manager Adam Peters had his reasons. They may have become clearer with another surprising move.
One didn't have to look far across the media to see Nick Allegretti being touted as a possible cut candidate this offseason. His two years in Washington didn't go nearly as well as Biadasz's, as he was demoted from his preferred left guard position and benched just two games into his stint at right guard. However, his two games at center to end the season were apparently impressive enough for a much bigger vote of confidence.
According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the Commanders have signed Allegretti to a two-year extension. He is now signed through the 2027 season, which was yet another startling development in the circumstances.
Commanders decision to extend Nick Allegretti ends all speculation about the next step
It appears as if the Commanders may be moving forward with Allegretti as their starting center. With such a small sample size, the risk is massive. But the versatile chess piece might be showing the coaching staff more than people realize.
Allegretti is a two-time Super Bowl winner. He was solid enough over his first year in Washington, but the trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil changed everything. Brandon Coleman took his spot, and he was switched to the right-hand side as a fill-in for Sam Cosmi.
The Commanders removed him from the lineup quickly. Allegretti spent most of 2025 on the proverbial fringes, but he performed well when given center responsibilities after Biadasz ended the campaign injured. It seems as if that was all Washington needed to see for a longer-term commitment.
In an offseason loaded with contentious coaching gambles under Dan Quinn, this approach to an integral cog in the offensive wheel follows a similar trend. But there might be more to it.
Perhaps Allegretti is better suited to the blocking concepts being installed by new offensive coordinator David Blough. Perhaps the Illinois product is a cheaper option that allows the Commanders to focus their bigger investments elsewhere. Perhaps the chemistry with Jayden Daniels is already (or soon will be) right at the level required to hit the ground running.
There is just no telling for sure. But based on Allegretti's overall consistency and trajectory in Washington, it cannot be seen as anything other than a gamble of epic proportions right now.
This should not stop the Commanders from drafting a center prospect on Day 3 and letting them develop behind Allegretti. If the veteran fluffs his lines, they will have a ready-made replacement on the books.
It's another bizarre twist in Washington's center saga. However, there must be more confidence in Allegretti behind the scenes than appears to be the case across the fan base.
That's something, at least.