Once-trusted Commanders veteran could become a camp afterthought

Adam Peters is an aggressive roster builder who doesn't attach any sentiment whatsoever in pursuit of molding a squad capable of bringing back another Super Bowl to the Washington Commanders. If that means ruffling some feathers, it's a small price to pay for progress.

It's been another eventful offseason for Washington. Peters knew that the Commanders were in win-now mode and adjusted accordingly, finding Pro Bowl-caliber performers via trade and experienced veterans in free agency capable of helping Dan Quinn get over the hump.

That could also leave a once-trusted player on the proverbial fringes without a rousing effort at training camp this summer.

The Commanders had to improve the protection in front of quarterback phenom Jayden Daniels this offseason. As is typically the case, Peters did this emphatically, trading for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and drafting Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 29 overall.

Statement made.

Andrew Wylie looks set for a diminished role after Commanders' offseason acquisitions

This is shifting Brandon Coleman inside to left guard. Nick Allegretti is projected to slot in on the right-hand side until Sam Cosmi is ready to return from a torn ACL. From the outside looking in, this leaves Andrew Wylie as the odd man out on the starting unit.

Wylie started the last two seasons at right tackle for the Commanders since his high-profile move from the Kansas City Chiefs. He's been solid if not spectacular, but a reduced role could be in the offing in the final year of his deal.

Unless Wylie gets the chance to compete for Washington's right guard job, which seems feasible, all signs point to the two-time Super Bowl champion assuming the swing tackle role in 2025. This was previously held by Cornelius Lucas, who left for the Cleveland Browns in free agency.

The Commanders are making Conerly earn the starting right tackle position, but he's off to an exceptional start. There will be some rookie bumps in the road (there always are), but the former Oregon standout has the athletic intangibles needed to become an instant upgrade on Wylie if everything comes together.

This might be difficult for Wylie to accept. But in all honesty, he probably saw it coming.

He took a pay cut to stick around in Washington this offseason. Less money normally comes with diminished responsibilities, so Wylie's objective will be to stay ready so he can perform well when called upon next season.

Wylie will probably be gone in 2026, so he must leave a good impression to get another opportunity elsewhere. Even if that'll be from a backup spot unless there's a drastic shift in the team's approach.

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