7 salary-cap cut candidates Commanders should monitor before 2025 free agency

Options are seemingly endless for the Washington Commanders entering the offseason. This sleeping giant is awake and ready to take their place among the perennial powerhouses after a two-decade absence. The moves made by Adam Peters in the coming months could make this dream a reality.

The Commanders achieved more than anyone anticipated in 2024. Building on this incredible momentum is the next step, but Peters boasts substantial resources to achieve this objective.

Nothing is off the table. The Commanders have plenty of salary-cap space to sign free agents. They have seven draft picks to bolster their playing personnel via the college ranks. There's even the possibility of another trade that couldn't be completely ruled out.

One overlooked possibility is picking up players who are deemed surplus to requirements elsewhere. Several teams enter the offseason needing to trim the fat from a financial standpoint. That's not the case in Washington, so striking when opportunities arise is crucial.

This is no longer the league's toxic laughingstock. The Commanders are an NFL hotspot again under a regime with ambition and purpose. Players should jump at the chance to join this project, especially considering there is already a franchise quarterback in place.

With that being said, here are seven possible salary-cap cuts the Commanders should monitor before free agency.

Potential salary-cap cuts the Commanders should monitor

Commanders should monitor Christian Kirk

• Wide Receiver | Arizona Cardinals

The Washington Commanders must get Jayden Daniels more productive weapons in the passing game. His exceptional surge as a rookie took the league by storm. This franchise has been crying out for someone of his caliber. Maximizing his rookie deal is high on Adam Peters' list of objectives in the coming years.

Finding players who can fit into the scheme and provide immediate assistance would be wise. Christian Kirk ticks the boxes after working with Kliff Kingsbury closely during their time on the Arizona Cardinals.

Kirk played so well under Kingsbury's guidance that the Jacksonville Jaguars shelled out big bucks to secure his services in free agency. The dynamic wide receiver started well with the AFC South outfit, but injuries derailed his progress. Just when things were starting to heat up regarding a trade before the deadline, the former Texas A&M star broke his collarbone and wasn't seen again in 2024.

With no more guaranteed money remaining on his deal and a new regime in Jacksonville, cutting Kirk seems like a realistic outcome. Don't be surprised if Kingsbury bangs the table hard to bring him to Washington if this scenario comes to fruition.

Commanders should monitor Yetur Gross-Matos

• Defensive End | San Francisco 49ers

The Washington Commanders need to bolster their trenches on both sides of the football. Watching their capitulation against the Philadelphia Eagles without Sam Cosmi and Daron Payne was disappointing. Witnessing their NFC East rivals bulldoze everything in their path en route to the Super Bowl represented another brutal reality check.

This should be among Adam Peters' biggest priorities during the offseason. The Commanders don't have enough to counteract the Eagles' imposing threats right now. Adding more to the pass rush would be a good place to start.

Fans are dreaming of a bold trade splash for Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett. That means mortgaging the franchise's future. Peters will inquire, but he could decide to explore alternatives when push comes to shove.

Examining free agency and a deep draft class are viable options. Keeping tabs on potential releases around the league is another possibility. This brings someone like Yetur Gross-Matos under the microscope.

Gross-Matos is a former second-round pick who never quite met expectations with the Carolina Panthers. He looked much more accomplished in 2023, which saw him cash in after the San Francisco 49ers came calling. Injuries meant it was a frustrating start, which puts him in the firing line this offseason.

There would be some familiar faces in Washington (Frankie Luvu and Jeremy Chinn if the latter gets extended). Gross-Matos flashes promise as a pass-rusher, but he excels in setting the edge against the run. That's exactly what the Commanders lacked in 2024.

Commanders should monitor Tyler Higbee

• Tight End | Los Angeles Rams

Zach Ertz was a revelation for the Commanders in 2024. Fans approached this signing with cautious optimism. There were concerns about how much he had left in the tank. The tight end answered his critics emphatically.

Ertz became a leader in the locker room and highly productive on the field. The former second-round pick developed a strong chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels, who trusted him fully to make big plays in key moments. It was a tremendous piece of business by the Commanders, but what comes next is less certain.

Washington has a big decision to make with Ertz. He's a free agent and wants to continue playing. The Commanders would be wise to keep him around, especially considering 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott remains an unknown quantity.

If Ertz departs, another veteran tight end must be acquired. Tyler Higbee's status with the Los Angeles Rams is worth monitoring should the Commanders fail to reach an agreement with the three-time Pro Bowler.

Higbee spent most of last year on injured reserve. He came back for the last three regular-season games and saw his workload increase during the playoffs, bringing in 12 receptions from 15 targets for 112 receiving yards and one touchdown. If the Rams decide to cut the cord, he represents a solid stop-gap.

Commanders should monitor Jaire Alexander

• Cornerback | Green Bay Packers

Adam Peters' boldest move in year one as general manager was undoubtedly trading for Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore. This was a significant coup for the Washington Commanders — one that represented a real statement of intent from the organization.

It didn't quite go according to plan. Lattimore came into the organization with a hamstring injury that troubled him all year. He featured twice in the regular season and never looked healthy in the playoffs. Although frustrating, Peters made this move with the long-term in mind.

The Commanders will have Lattimore and Mike Sainristil leading their cornerback room in 2025. If those in power decide another productive veteran is needed, watching developments between Jaire Alexander and the Green Bay Packers could be worth its weight in gold.

Alexander is a top-level performer at the peak of his powers. Injuries kept his contribution to a minimum in 2024, but he's still accomplished in coverage when on the field. It's a tricky predicament for the Packers this offseason, but there's a growing sense they could end this relationship ahead of time.

Washington wouldn't be alone in coveting Alexander. There's an element of risk attached. Even so, the prospect of forming a prolific trio with Lattimore and Sainristil isn't a bad selling point.

Commanders should monitor Grady Jarrett

• Defensive Tackle | Atlanta Falcons

As mentioned previously, beefing up the trenches should be a big priority for general manager Adam Peters this offseason. Simply put, he must treat the offensive and defensive lines with the urgency they deserve.

The Commanders invested heavily in their defensive front under previous regimes. Four first-round picks manned the defensive front at one stage. Their potential was limitless, but they never reached their billing as a ferocious foursome.

Peters cannot settle. Daron Payne and Johnny Newton should be around. Jonathan Allen's status is less certain given he's got one more year on his deal and demonstrated signs of regression over the last two seasons.

Allen would be a big loss in the locker room, but attaching sentiment to the decision-making process isn't going to do Peters any favors. Either the former first-round pick adjusts his contract, or the Commanders will trade or release the Pro Bowler.

Finding a replacement capable of producing immediately is crucial. Grady Jarrett's name is coming up around the media as someone who could be a salary-cap casualty this offseason. The Atlanta Falcons are up against it and will be taking a huge hit when Kirk Cousins gets released. Sacrifices are needed to make up for the financial shortfall.

Jarrett represents the sort of immediate game-changer the Commanders are looking for. Whether he'll be available or not is another matter.

Commanders should monitor Davante Adams

• Wide Receiver | New York Jets

Aaron Rodgers won't be part of the New York Jets' plans moving forward. The veteran quarterback was informed by the new regime that his services won't be required, making him an expensive cap casualty with an expected post-June 1 designation.

There will be ripple effects. Wide receiver Davante Adams won't be sticking around at MetLife Stadium without his close friend under center. Teams won't be giving up compensation for someone they know is going to be cut. Once this officially gets confirmed, that's when interest will arrive.

Adams isn't getting any younger, but he's still an exceptional route technician. The Washington Commanders could target the All-Pro as someone capable of making a difference over short-to-intermediate routes within Kliff Kingsbury's scheme. He might want to follow Rodgers to his next destination. There's also the small matter of his previous comments about the team's facilities and fanbase as reasons to suggest it's a non-starter.

It's a different Washington operation these days. They have a legitimate franchise quarterback and a real shot of perennial contention. That could entice Adams enough if the money works for all parties.

This would be nothing more than a short-term agreement if the Commanders showed interest. But make no mistake, they are ready to win now.

Commanders should monitor Dalvin Tomlinson

• Defensive Tackle | Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns' decision to trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson and give him a fully guaranteed contract is quickly becoming the worst transaction in NFL history. With the signal-caller set to miss most if not all of the 2025 campaign, the AFC North club looks set to hit the reset button.

They could draft a quarterback at No. 2 overall. The Browns could sign a veteran like Kirk Cousins or Aaron Rodgers if they want to compete right now. Either way, their salary-cap situation doesn't exactly scream stability.

Cleveland needs to consolidate. They don't want to trade Myles Garrett but expect to see one or two veteran pieces depart the ranks ahead of time. Dalvin Tomlinson is rumored to be on the chopping block — something the Commanders could benefit greatly from.

Tomlinson does everything well. He's a stout presence to move against the run. He generates pressure consistently for a man his size. The motor is high and he's emerged as a prominent leadership presence throughout his career.

This is the exact type of player Washington needs for its defensive front. Tomlinson brings nastiness and energy. He's also not one to back down from a challenge, which the Commanders need to stand up to the Eagles next season.

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