The Washington Commanders are making a bunch of changes to their offensive line, and one could mean the end of last year's prime free agent signing.
Bleacher Report suggests that the Commanders could cut guard Andrew Norwell for some cap space relief.
"Andrew Norwell may be a familiar name because he parlayed an All-Pro season in 2017 into a big-money contract," Bleacher Report writes. "He's been a consistent starter for nine years and should be headed for a 10th. But he's not quite a lock to remain on the Commanders, particularly if they need cap space. Washington can save $4.38 million if he's a post-June 1 cut."
Norwell, 31, started 16 games for the Commanders last season and committed just four penalties, but the offensive line is in need of some upgrades after surrendering the seventh-most sacks in the NFL last season.
The team signed interior lineman Nick Gates, who can play guard or center, and also added Andrew Wylie, a tackle that could move third-year pro Sam Cosmi to guard. In addition, the team drafted Ricky Stromberg and Braeden Daniels, both of whom can play multiple positions in the trenches.
Washington may feel it has options that could be ready to play this season that are cheaper than Norwell.
Norwell is entering the final year of his contract, so he wasn't seen as a long-term option for the Commanders anyway, but he's a veteran that doesn't make mistakes very often. Norwell committed just four penalties last year and could be a strong veteran presence for the new offensive linemen.
OTA's should be a strong indicator on what Washington has, especially in its new signees and draftees. If they impress, it could mean the end for Norwell's stint with the Commanders.
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