Free agent options to address center are dwindling. Does that mean the answer will come from the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Washington Commanders have done well addressing several positions this offseason, earning high grades from multiple outlets during the process, but one of the biggest remaining questions that remains unanswered is what happens at center in 2026.
It'd be an understatement to say that Nick Allegretti doesn't have a realistic chance to become the starter in 2026 - he's the only lineman on the roster with experience at the position. His re-signing coupled with Washington's decision to release Tyler Biadasz after two seasons at the position has kept a spotlight on the chance for an in-house replacement, but even if Allegretti gets the nod, Washington doesn't have any depth behind him. And as time passes, the market continues to thin out.
It started with Tyler Linderbaum resetting the market by signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, while Connor McGovern elected to re-sign with the Buffalo Bills. Lloyd Cushenberry was someone who reportedly drew interest, but he ultimately signed with the Bills on Thursday to add depth to their interior offensive line.
Ethan Pocic started 81 games at center since 2020 with the Cleveland Browns and allowed just two sacks in over 800 snaps in 2025, giving the Commanders a surprisingly experienced candidate to add depth at the position. Because beyond that, it's slim pickings.
Ryan Bates, who reportedly visited the New York Giants last week, has versatility across the interior offensive line with snaps at both guard spots at center over his seven year career. Sam Mustipher, a Good Counsel (MD) grad and Owings Mills, Md. native, remains available with limited experience over his six year career. Graham Glagow stepped in at center after the Lions watched veteran center Frank Ragnow retire, but he struggled in his second full season at the position and remains viewed as a more natural guard.
While Washington still has avenues to address both the wide receiver and cornerback rooms ahead of the 2026 season, center could materialize into the biggest question mark. Yet despite limited draft capital, it could be the draft that offers the best route.
Jake Slaughter out of Florida started 21 games at center over the last two seasons where he graded among the best centers in the country, drawing buzz as a potential late day two or early day three pick. Sam Hecht out of Kansas State was named to both the Outland Trophy and Rimington Trophy watch list where he started 42 games at center, including 25 straight to end his college career, while being an All-Big 12 selection in each of his final two seasons. But it was Logan Jones out of Iowa who was named the Rimington Trophy winner, along with an Outland Trophy finalist, after being named a consensus All-American following a season he made his 50th career start.
Former Auburn center Connor Lew was one of four targets highlighted after the positional need was magnified, and as time passes, could he become a serious contender to materialize into a potential value pick on day three?
After watching his senior year cut short due to a torn ACL, leading to some questions about his availability to start the 2026 season. But he'd provide long-term stability after a strong college career. After stepping in as the starter midseason as a true freshman, Lew started every game in 2024 where he was named to the Rimington Trophy watch list before starting the first seven games of the 2025 season, emerging as one of the best centers in the SEC. Injury concerns could push him from day two to three territory.
The other side if the next wave of possible roster cuts after the draft, giving Washington a chance to mine additional talent. But that's a hypothetical based on too many variables outside the Commanders' control, and frankly that talent level may not be enough to provide any different quality depth from what's currently available.
With a chance to bolster the long-term outlook of the trenches, the best route might be staring Washington in the face.