The Washington Commanders could have a new punter in 2027 after veteran Tress Way revealed he is "pretty sure" the 2026 regular season will be his last
The Washington Commanders are set to open the 2026 regular season this weekend, but it may be the last one for one of the team's most beloved players.
Punter Tress Way told reporters following Thursday's practice that he is "pretty sure" the upcoming regular season will be his final in the NFL. Way revealed that he was transparent with both head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters about his decision prior to going public on Thursday, marking a likely notable absence for the Commanders to fill both on and off the field.
After being among the over 30 departing free agents, the Commanders made Way the first player to re-sign with the organization to begin the flurry of offseason moves after reportedly signing a one year deal. Way returned to the franchise as the longest tenured player on the team, though he also owns several franchise records.
After losing the punter competition to Adam Podlesh in 2013 then Pat O'Donnell in 2014, Way was waived by the Chicago Bears before Washington swooped in to claim him off the waiver wire. That proved to be one of the best moves over the last 15 years after all 196 punts over Way's 12 year NFL career have materialized with Washington, where he became a three time Pro Bowl selection.
Way ranks tied for fifth on the team's all time game played list, while he owns career franchise records in punts inside the 20 yard line (325), punting average (46.9) and punt yards (39,031).
Last season marked his most recent Pro Bowl selection after leading the NFL in both opponent average starting field position after punts (17.9) and punts inside the 20 (52.8), eclipsing a 51% rate for the first time since 2018 while averaging 47.3 yards per punt.
During the 2024 season, Way also passed longtime punter Mike Bragg for the most punt yards in team history in a season that he registered a career-low 50 punts.
Way entered training camp among the players battling injuries after joking that a competition with actor Terry Crews led to his pectoral injury, leading him to be placed on the active/ non-football injury list before returning on Aug. 7. He joins undrafted rookie Drew Stevens as Washington's two specialists heading into 2026, while the longtime fan favorite will look to likely end his NFL career on a high note. Way arrived in the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2013 after becoming an All American punter at the University of Oklahoma.
Washington is set to travel to Philadelphia to face the Eagles on Sunday, Sept. 13 for a 4:25 PM kickoff.
