Following news that the Washington Commanders are releasing Tyler Biadasz, we dive into four candidates to become the next starting center in 2026.
The Washington Commanders made the surprising decision days ago after moving on from starting center Tyler Biadasz, who struggled at times in 2025 before suffering a season-ending injury in week 17. With another hole to fill and ample cap space after the league announced the 2026 salary cap limit, we take a look at four candidates to become the Commanders starting center in 2026:
Nick Allegretti, Washington
Maybe the most unattractive route of them all, but in a season where head coach Dan Quinn and GM Adam Peters have pointed to internal moves to address needs, maybe ruling that out for roster decisions would be premature. Following the release of Biadasz, Allegretti is the lone player currently on the roster with experience at the position where he filled in as the starter in the week 18 win against Philadelphia with Biadasz sidelined with a knee and ankle injury suffered in the Christmas Day loss vs. Dallas. Allegretti also has guard experience including three starts at right guard among his 16 appearances in 2025. But is it enough? For an offense expected to stick under center much frequently compared to the previous two seasons, it’s a debate whether Allegretti would serve as an upgrade to Biadasz. At a minimum, it gives Washington an option as the front office looks for the final solution in the months ahead.
Connor Lew, Auburn
Limited draft capital may make this unrealistic, but there are top options within reach of the Commanders current draft picks. That includes Connor Lew, viewed as the top center prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft as a likely day two selection. The question mark is his health after suffering a season-ending torn ACL in Auburn's 23-17 overtime loss against Missouri back on Oct. 18. Prior to his injury, Lew allowed just one sack across 442 career snaps with both his feet and IQ tabbed key strengths for the former SEC lineman. Washington’s lone day two pick based on current picks is the 71st overall pick in the third round, which could be when Lew hears his name called. Will Washington turn to a rookie to fill a magnified role in David Blough’s offense?
Luke Fortner, New Orleans
After being shipped to New Orleans just weeks before the start of the 2025 season in exchange for a defensive lineman, Fortner stepped up for the Saints where he allowed just three sacks and 11 pressures in ten starts, 12 appearances and over 440 pass blocking snaps. He was also called for just three penalties, cementing a strong season on a struggling Saints team. It was also a much-needed performance after struggling in Jacksonville. Now available to sign in free agency for the first time in his career, Fortner is projected to sign a three year, $18 million contract this offseason. Could he now step into a full time starting role? While the top of the free agent class offers available veterans, Fortner could prove to be a sneaky addition to potentially upgrade the center position.
Connor McGovern, Buffalo
McGovern has been the anchor of the Bills offensive line since signing a three-year contract back in March 2023 before stepping in as the full time starter in 2024, setting him up to become a Pro Bowl selection for the first time in his career. Just 28 years old, McGovern is projected to draw a $16.3 million contract, per Spotrac, where he’s able to cash in on his place as one of the best centers across the NFL. Cap space is a question mark for the Bills with a reunion far from a sure thing, making him a more realistic target.
McGovern is also expected to become one of the most coveted centers this offseason, and maybe the top player at his position depending on what happens elsewhere. Baltimore center Tyler Linderbaum is as big of a target, but he has an asterisk by his status ahead of March. Linderbaum enters free agency as the top available center, but whether he ultimately is made available is the question mark. Reports have pointed to Baltimore preparing to make Linderbaum the highest-paid center in football this offseason after general manager Eric DeCosta noted the team has given the Pro Bowl center a “market-setting offer” for the third-best free agent, according to ESPN. If it becomes clear that an extension won’t materialize, it’s hard seeing Linderbaum not become the top target at the position, but all eyes remain on a reunion with Baltimore.
Others: Ethan Pocic, Cleveland; Lloyd Cushenberry, Tennessee