Could these Commanders players be on the chopping block next year?
It’s been an incredible offseason for player turnover where the Washington Commanders are concerned. Something that was expected with a new regime coming into the fold, but few envisaged Adam Peters almost completely gutting the roster in pursuit of better fortunes in 2024 and beyond.
Peters filled key needs, improved depth, enhanced competition for places, and maintained future financial flexibility. Any questions fans may have had about whether the right men were in charge have been answered in no uncertain terms. This is just the start of what will hopefully become a profitable period for this once-proud franchise.
The Commanders are planning with the long-term in mind. Peters has also removed any sentiment to the team’s decision-making process. Much will depend on what happens during the upcoming campaign, but expect this trend to continue while the new front-office leader is at the helm.
There is a long way to go and a lot of football to play. That said, here are four extremely early salary-cap cut candidates for the Commanders in 2025.
All financial information comes via Over the Cap.
Jeremy Reaves – Commanders S
- Cap saving: $2.64 million
- Dead money: $750,000
Jeremy Reaves got himself a new contract this offseason despite enduring some rough luck on the injury front in 2023. The All-Pro special teamer is eager to get back onto the field and all signs point to a full recovery, but the Washington Commanders have hedged their bets with his recent agreement that provides Adam Peters with a realistic out next year.
Hopefully, Reaves shows no ill effects from his health complications and becomes an integral part of the plans on special teams once again. He might even force his way onto the defensive rotation, although that seems less likely when one considers the acquisitions made throughout a busy recruitment period.
If Reaves doesn’t show enough, the fan favorite might be released for $2.64 million in savings attached. This comes with just $750,000 in dead money, so the option is there for Peters if he feels like it’s the right thing to do.
Austin Ekeler – Commanders RB
- Cap saving: $3.61 million
- Dead money: $1.5 million
The Washington Commanders raised eyebrows during free agency when Austin Ekeler joined the ranks. This didn’t seem like the biggest need, but those in power felt like the prolific veteran represented an upgrade on Antonio Gibson, who departed for the New England Patriots after his contract expired.
Ekeler was looking for the right fit and feels like he’s found it in the nation’s capital. He wanted somewhere with a productive young running back already in place. Someone who could shoulder the load and reduce his carries at this stage of the player’s career. Brian Robinson Jr. is exactly that, so this looks like it could be a decent tandem if everything comes together quickly under offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
Much like the situation with Jeremy Reaves, the Commanders have left nothing to chance where Ekeler is concerned. Hopes are high he can make his presence felt – especially in the passing game and in red-zone situations – but the structure of his deal means Washington can get off it quickly if things don’t go according to plan.
The Commanders gave out plenty of bad contracts under previous regimes. That’s something Adam Peters has avoided up to now, which gives the franchise an additional sense of freedom and avoids any long-term financial ramifications along the way.
If Ekeler cannot meet expectations, the Commanders could easily part ways with the player after one season. Releasing the dual-threat weapon comes with $3.61 million in savings and just $1.5 million in dead money. This is a worst-case scenario, but one those in power won’t hesitate to pull the trigger on if they feel like the money could be better spent elsewhere.
Ekeler has the experience and talent to make this move a success after things ended sourly with the Los Angeles Chargers. But one doesn’t have to look far around the league to see how situations like this can go the other way.
Andrew Wylie – Commanders OT
- Cap saving: $7.75 million
- Dead money: $2.66 million
Based on the offseason moves made by the Washington Commanders so far, it seems as if Andrew Wylie is going to get another shot at solidifying the right tackle position in 2024. This is a contentious issue among the fanbase, many of whom believe his performance levels last season weren’t up to the required standard following his free-agent switch from the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Wylie had moments of quality. There were also times when he didn’t look capable of assuring the edge. He was blown away by speed rushers on countless occasions, which was a grave disappointment when one considers how well Sam Cosmi played alongside him at the right guard position during his breakout campaign.
The Commanders didn’t bring anyone in from the veteran pool to replace Wylie, although there is still time for that to change. Their main complication appears to be on the blindside. This bears more significance if third-round selection Brandon Coleman cannot transition smoothly from college to the pros.
Perhaps better-blocking concepts and a more mobile quarterback will help Wylie from a consistency standpoint. There didn’t seem much point in cutting him this offseason considering the contract he received. But if the same trend continues in 2024, that won’t be the case next time around.
Wylie’s contract is much easier to get off next spring. Releasing the player after two seasons in Washington comes with $2.66 million in dead money and $7.66 million in savings. That’s a tempting proposition for Adam Peters regardless of whether the offensive tackle improves or not.
Washington cannot afford to have any passengers on the offensive line this offseason. They’ve made a significant investment in Jayden Daniels and must provide the Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU with the stable protection needed to thrive. Wylie will be under more scrutiny than most, so it’ll be interesting to see how he copes with the spotlight glaring.
Jonathan Allen – Commanders DT
- Cap saving: $17 million
- Dead money: $6 million
Jonathan Allen made no secret about his frustrations about how things were unfolding with the Washington Commanders last season. The defensive tackle cut a forlorn figure, voicing his disapproving opinions frequently to the media and even hinting that his future might lie away from the organization after experiencing nothing but abject failure since entering the league.
Thankfully, everything seems to be a lot rosier now. Allen’s been impressed by the new regime and how they’ve approached things throughout the offseason. Adam Peters and Dan Quinn also revealed they never contemplated trading the former first-round pick out of Alabama, who’ll have an integral role to play on and off the field in 2024.
Hopes are high that Allen can return to the form of old. However, the Commanders raised the stakes by drafting Johnny Newton at No. 36 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
When Newton fell out of the first round and into their laps, Peters felt it was too good of an opportunity to turn down despite the presence of Allen and Daron Payne as their defensive tackle starting tandem. The former Illinois star will play a role immediately, so the two aforementioned veterans need to improve to avoid any unnecessary complications next year.
If the Commanders feel like Newton is ready to assume starting reps in 2025 and Allen doesn’t show enough, a situation could emerge where he’s deemed surplus to requirements. Finding a trade partner for the lineman is a realistic possibility in this scenario. Based on the savings involved, cutting him entirely is another option.
Peters would get himself a hefty saving of $17 million by releasing Allen heading into the final year of his deal. The dead money stands at $6 million, which is on the steep side but nothing compared to the extra funds it would provide.
Hopefully, Allen can do enough to make a significant impact next season and potentially earn another contract. If not, then it might be his final campaign in Washington thanks to Newton’s arrival.
