5 extremely early (and possible) Commanders salary-cap cut candidates in 2026

Adam Peters and Dan Quinn oversaw dramatic improvements from the Washington Commanders in 2024. This brings increased expectations for everyone associated with the franchise's growth.

The Commanders made some impressive moves this offseason. Peters took some calculated risks in the trade market, made one big splash in free agency, re-signed many free agents, and acquired some intriguing veterans with winning experience on one-year deals. This was a recipe for success during the previous campaign. He's hoping for the same again.

At the same time, this is an ongoing assessment. Peters is always thinking two steps ahead. He's maintained future financial flexibility, with the Commanders projected to have around $100 million in salary-cap space next year with only 29 players under contract.

Hopes are high that last season's heroics could be the start of a prosperous new era for an organization that's been dragged through the mud for two decades. This is not the laughingstock of old. The Commanders mean business, and Peters' aggressive mindset should keep urgency high within the locker room.

If some high-earners aren't pulling their weight, Peters won't hesitate to remove them from the equation. With this in mind, here are five extremely early Commanders salary-cap cut candidates in 2026.

All financial figures come via Over the Cap.

Extremely early Commanders salary-cap cut candidates in 2026

Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL

• 2026 salary-cap saving: $3.64 million
• Dead cap money: $3.53 million

Nick Allegretti had a solid if not spectacular first season with the Washington Commanders. The interior offensive lineman came into the organization after starring for the Kansas City Chiefs during their run to another Super Bowl. His winning mindset and relentless commitment represented a breath of fresh air. Although sketchy, the production was decent enough.

It wasn't perfect, not by any stretch of the imagination. Allegretti showed vulnerability in pass protection and lacked consistency at times on running plays. The left guard should start again in 2025, but improvements are needed to firmly establish himself as a franchise cornerstone for years to come.

There's a good chance Allegretti can make strides. He won't have a rookie left tackle to think about this season. Instead, the former Illinois standout has one of the league's best blindside enforcers to work alongside after the Commanders made a bombshell trade for Laremy Tunsil.

Allegretti stands to benefit greatly from Tunsil's arrival. But if improvements don't arrive, a situation could emerge where the Commanders find a potential replacement next spring.

Hopefully, it doesn't come to that. Allegretti and Tunsil have the makings of a productive left-hand tandem on the offensive line. Let's hope that comes to fruition.

Will Harris - Commanders S

• 2026 salary-cap saving: $4 million
• Dead cap money: $1 million

Jeremy Chinn became a major asset to the Washington Commanders in 2024. The standout safety was looking to galvanize his career after becoming an afterthought with the Carolina Panthers under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. This was the exact environment to do just that.

Chinn was an ever-present and highly productive. His explosiveness, versatility, and high-level instincts provided Washington's defense with a much-needed spark. Unfortunately, this wasn't enough for an extended stay.

The Commanders didn't believe Chinn was worth what he got from the Las Vegas Raiders. They had a contingency plan in mind, signing Will Harris to a two-year deal after the veteran flashed promise last season.

Harris knows assistant general manager Lance Newmark well from their time together on the Detroit Lions. His traits are similar to Chinn's without the dynamism attached. The Commanders are hoping there won't be too big of a drop-off, but they were also right to hedge their bets if this transaction doesn't go according to plan.

Adam Peters gave himself an out regarding Harris' deal entering Year 2. That was the correct call, which would save them $4 million on their 2026 salary cap with just $1 million in dead money attached.

This one could go either way, but Harris' athletic attributes look like a good scheme fit. That represents a decent foundation from which to build.

Dorance Armstrong Jr. - Commanders DE

• 2026 salary-cap saving: $9.33 million (post-June 1 designation)
• Dead cap money: $3 million

The Commanders didn't get enough consistency from their edge-rushing options last season. That has to change if they want to improve their hopes of surpassing the Philadelphia Eagles next season or beyond.

Adam Peters didn't do much to fortify the pass rush this offseason. Clelin Ferrell and Jalyn Holmes were re-signed. Deatrich Wise Jr. came in on a one-year deal from the New England Patriots. Jacob Martin provides versatility, but the journeyman's role hasn't been determined fully.

Washington should rectify this during the 2025 NFL Draft. Peters only has five picks at his disposal right now, but this remains one of his biggest priorities. Regardless of who comes in, much more is expected of Dorance Armstrong Jr. entering his second season with the squad.

Armstrong was a high-priority target for the Commanders in free agency. His previous connection to Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. enabled a smooth transition. There were flashes of exceptional promise as a pass-rusher, securing five sacks and 46 total pressures throughout the campaign.

The player's problems centered on run defense. Armstrong struggled to set a clean edge and was targeted as a weak link for outside runs. This area of his game must progress rapidly to avoid similar complications in 2025.

If not, the Commanders could save some funds by cutting Armstrong with a post-June 1 designation this year.

Marshon Lattimore - Commanders CB

• 2026 salary-cap saving: $18.5 million
• Dead cap money: $0

The Washington Commanders announced they were ready to contend much sooner than expected. Adam Peters did this just before the 2024 trade deadline by securing the services of four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints.

This represented a major statement of intent. Lattimore's previous credentials as a shutdown presence spoke for themselves. Unfortunately, this trade didn't reap instant rewards.

Lattimore came into the Commanders with a hamstring injury. He never truly shook it off despite two exceptional performances versus the Saints and Detroit Lions. He gave it everything, but something was missing.

The former first-round pick out of Ohio State is getting the benefit of the doubt. Peters reaffirmed his faith in Lattimore this offseason, stating his belief that a full program with the squad and time to get fully healthy will see him return to his previous elite production.

Washington is counting heavily on that. They have Mike Sainristil, Noah Igbinoghene, and Jonathan Jones in their cornerback room, which could be a decent quartet. The Commanders might add to the unit when the draft rolls around, but Lattimore's production will be crucial to any success that comes their way.

If last season's slump becomes something more concerning, Peters might think twice about giving him another reprieve.

Daron Payne - Commanders DT

• 2026 salary-cap saving: $16.81 million
• Dead cap money: $11.2 million

The Commanders ended Jonathan Allen's long-standing association with the franchise this offseason. They handled the situation with class, releasing the defensive tackle when no willing trade suitor came forward to give him a head start on the free agency group.

It was respectfully handled, which Allen appreciated. He saw the writing was on the wall, but the Commanders did right by the player. Just how much he'll be missed on the field and in the locker room remains to be seen. However, it turns up the heat on others with big pay this season.

That places Daron Payne firmly under the microscope. The interior force got a bumper new contract from the Commanders in 2023 after securing 11.5 sacks and a Pro Bowl appearance. He's never reached these heights before or since.

Payne flashed as a pass rusher last season. He was often a liability against the run. There is no security blanket alongside him anymore following Allen's departure. He must take over the mantle and become the alpha.

Nothing else will do.

There's no doubt Payne has the physical tools needed to be more impactful, but the time for half-measures is over. The former Alabama standout must raise consistency and live up to his lofty price tag. Anything less could see the player's future grow increasingly uncertain next offseason.

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