Commanders finally make Andrew Norwell release official

The Washington commanders have released guard Andrew Norwell after one season with the team. Norwell’s release was a long time coming after a dreadful 2022 campaign. Despite his recent struggles, Norwell is expected to have a fair share of suitors.

Washington announcing the release of Norwell was a formality from speculation that grew this offseason. It was evident the Commanders were planning to move on from Norwell during offseason team activities. Washington placed Norwell on the PUP list in May due to an elbow injury. Meanwhile, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera didn’t mention Norwell’s name in his discussions of the left guard position.

Washington signed Norwell last season to a two-year deal with just $4.7 million guaranteed. The Commanders released fan-favorite guard Ereck Flowers a day prior. Norwell had played four seasons under Rivera while Rivera was the head coach of the Carolina Panthers.

During his time with the Panthers, Norwell was one of the best offensive guards in the NFL. He got named to the All-Pro First-team in 2017. That led to becoming the highest-paid guard, inking a five-year, $66.5 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018.

However, he was on the market a year early after restructuring his deal. The Commanders took a filler on him last year at the expense of releasing Flowers. Hoping to rejuvenate his career in Washington, Norwell showed his struggles in Jacksonville were not an aberration.

Despite starting 16 games for the Commanders last year, Norwell had the worst season of his career, which was highlighted by him blocking his teammate in a game against the Dallas Cowboys.

The 2023 season was his worst season, pulling a 59.8 grade from Pro Football Focus.

Washington revamped its offensive line this offseason. Left tackle Charles Leno Jr. is the only last-year starter returning to the same position in 2023. The Commanders signed veteran Andrew Wylie to play right tackle. Wylie’s signing shifted 2021 second-round pick Sam Cosmi to right guard.

Then, the Commanders released longtime center Chase Roullier after signing free agent Nick Gates in free agency, and they drafted Ricky Stromberg this year in the third round. Norwell became a cut candidate after the slew of moves.

The speculation lingered until Monday. The Commanders plan to go young after the release of Norwell. Washington will try former offensive tackle and 2020 fourth-round draft pick Saahdiq Charles at left guard. If Charles cannot hold the position, the team could turn to last year’s seventh-round pick Chris Paul.

By waiting to release Andrew Norwell, the Commanders save $4.38 million against its salary cap.