The Washington Commanders could look a lot different in 2024. After finishing 4-13 and losing their final eight games, Washington fans will welcome change.
The Commanders have nine picks in the 2024 NFL draft, including the No. 2 overall pick and three of the top 40 selections. Washington will most likely find its quarterback of the future between Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels at No. 2.
The draft isn’t the only way to rebuild Washington’s roster. The Commanders have over $73 million in salary cap space in 2024. That’s No. 1 in the NFL, according to Over the Cap. Of course, Washington has numerous free agents it must decide on, including cornerback Kendall Fuller, safety Kam Curl and wide receiver Curtis Samuel.
While new GM Adam Peters stated the Commanders would build through the draft, he said Washington would use free agency to supplement the roster.
While the Commanders currently have an estimated $73 million in available cap space for 2024, that number could grow significantly if they decide to move on from some veterans.
We preview five veterans who could be cap casualties this offseason.
All contract numbers are courtesy of Over the Cap.
TE Logan Thomas
Logan Thomas enters the final season of his contract in 2024. He’s due to count $8.29 million against the salary cap; releasing him would save over $6 million in cap space. The Commanders must upgrade the tight end position. While Thomas is a beloved veteran, Washington needs more from the spot and will likely spend the offseason revamping the group.
LT Charles Leno Jr.
Left tackle Charles Leno Jr. is due to count $15.5 million against the salary cap in 2024 — the fourth-highest on the team. If the Commanders release Leno, they will save $7.3 million in cap space. Leno is a much better player than some on social media give him credit for. Yes, you can improve at left tackle — and you MUST improve — but Leno is a reliable veteran. It seems likely Washington will make a move here, especially at his current number.
RT Andrew Wylie
Could Andrew Wylie be one and done? Wylie was signed to a two-year deal last offseason, and he struggled this season. Wylie had a good run during the playoffs for the Chiefs at tackle last season, but he’s better off at guard. The Commanders are set at right guard with Sam Cosmi. Could they move Wylie to left guard?
He will absolutely not be the right tackle in 2024. Wylie is due to count $9.4 million against the cap. If the Commanders release him, they would only save $1.5 million against this year’s cap, but a post-June 1 designation would save Washington over $4.25 million against the 2024 salary cap but also take a $5.1 dead-cap hit.
C Nick Gates
Another one-and-done? Gates signed a three-year contract last offseason to serve as Washington’s center. He was benched after Week 7. He returned to start the final two games only after Tyler Larsen’s injury. Cutting Gates — who counts $5.7 million against the salary cap — may not save a ton of money in 2024, but Peters may want to start fresh with the draft and free agency. Of course, it all depends on how the new coaching staff views Wylie and Gates. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Commanders moved on from either, but moving on from both seems unlikely.
WR Dyami Brown
Dyami Brown was a third-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft. However, he has yet to make a significant impact in three seasons. A new front office/coaching staff will not be as loyal to Brown because they didn’t draft him. He’s flashed moments, especially that Tennessee game in 2022, but they’ve been too few.
He is due to only count $1.5 million against the cap, and cutting him would save $1.3 million. Brown still has potential, so perhaps Peters gives him through training camp to prove he belongs on the roster. Curtis Samuel is expected to depart, so there’s an opportunity for Brown to rise up the depth chart.
