Potential salary cap casualty candidates Commanders could strike gold on in 2026 NFL free agency period

Rashan Gary, EDGE, Green Bay Packers

Rashan Gary is another player at a premium position who could be an unexpected addition this offseason. The Commanders have said that they will add an EDGE rusher this offseason, and they should honestly add one before and during the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Packers traded for Micah Parsons and still have Lukas Van Ness, so Gary could be out with a $28 million cap hit in 2026. Gary might not be worth his current contract, but he had 7.5 sacks and 54 pressures in 2025, and could be the next starter for the Commanders as a sure run-stopper as well.

Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Chicago Bears

Tremaine Edmunds could be on the chopping block with the fourth-highest salary cap hit among all linebackers next year at $17.4 million in 2026. The Chicago Bears would save $15 million in salary cap space, which would help them get back in the positives before free agency. The Commanders need to add another LB alongside Frankie Luvu on Daronte Jones' new defense.

Edmunds is 6-5, 250 pounds, and just 27 years old, and he would instantly be a boost to the Commanders' defense in coverage, as a run stopper, and as a blitzer.

T.J. Hockenson, TE, Minnesota Vikings

T.J. Hockenson will be 29 years old when the 2026 season starts, and hopefully, he can get back to his older self. He's taken a step back over the last two seasons in Minnesota and had his targets and production cut in half after suffering an ACL injury.

The Commanders are reportedly looking for a pass-catching tight end this offseason, and Hockenson could be a backup option if they miss on Isaiah Likely or Kyle Pitts. Having a veteran in a younger room could also help continue the development of Ben Sinnott and Jon Bates. Hockenson has a salary cap hit of $21.3 million for the Vikings in 2026, so it makes sense.

Kenny Moore, CB, Indianapolis Colts

Kenny Moore would be one of the more surprising cut candidates this offseason, but he played in just 76% of snaps last season. He's 31 years old next season, but the Commanders desperately need a starting nickel corner, and Moore is still a stud in coverage and also one of the best run-defending corners in the league.

Jones loves experienced corners with high-Iq, and that's exactly what Moore would be in Washington, and one less hole to fill on the roster before the NFL Draft.