With the offseason fresh and several questions to answer, we take a look at three potential roster cuts for the Washington Commanders this offseason.
The Washington Commanders enter the offseason with several roster and staff decisions, though the latter has continued to materialize with a second offensive assistant reportedly joining the staff after news broke on Friday. Still, head coach Dan Quinn has plenty of stay or go decisions to make, but three Commanders may have already played their last snap with the organization.
G/C Nick Allegretti
The offensive line could see long-term commitment this offseason with left tackle Laremy Tunsil an extension candidate and guard Chris Paul a re-sign candidate. But the unit could also see a roster cut with interior offensive lineman Nick Allegretti taking a step back in 2025 after stepping up in 2024. What helps is the versatility he showed after stepping in at center for Tyler Biadasz in the closing weeks of the regular season, but he struggled in those reps. The offensive line could materialize into a strength for the Commanders with all eyes on right tackle Josh Conerly taking the next step in his second season, but moving on from Allegretti would save roughly $3.6 million in cap space.
CB Marshon Lattimore
Washington ended 2025 ranked 28th in the league and 15th in the NFC in passing yards allowed while the eight turnovers are tied for the fourth-fewest in the NFL. Pinpointing the secondary struggles on one person wouldn't be accurate with a need to overhaul the cornerback and safety room this offseason, but there's a starting point for the front office to work with.
Per PFF, Lattimore graded as Washington's third-worst cornerback after allowing 19 and two touchdowns on 34 targets in 2025, along with seven defensive penalties for 89 yards. It doesn't help those stats came in only nine games after Lattimore suffered a torn ACL in the week nine loss against the Seattle Seahawks. Add in the fact that Lattimore was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon just days after the 2025 season, Lattimore may be the most obvious roster cut this offseason. Washington would save an additional $18.5 million in cap space to give the franchise roughly $100 million in cap space.
After being viewed as a potential impact piece on defense following the midseason 2024 trade with the New Orleans Saints, Lattimore has been anything but that.
DT Daron Payne
After shining in his first few years with the contract, Payne inked a four year, $90 million contract, Payne was one of the bigger disappointments in 2025. He finished with 46 tackles and three sacks - his fewest since 2020. But the question mark is if Washington moves on from Payne, is there enough still on the roster? Johnny Newton dazzled in the Christmas Day loss against Dallas with a game-high three sacks, but it was a flash in the grand scheme of his second season with uncertainty about his ability as an every down lineman. Javon Kinlaw, however, proved to be another disappointment for the Commanders' efforts along the defensive line. Payne was also suspended for punching Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown in the week ten loss.
This could be a decision that comes into focus once the defensive coordinator vacancy is filled, but Washington will have to make a decision as releasing Payne would save $16.75 million with $11.2 million in dead money.