The Washington Commanders entered the 2022 NFL offseason in excellent salary cap shape. Many believed Washington would be active in free agency after a disappointing 2021 season.
Then, the Carson Wentz trade happened. Wentz was due $28 million in 2022, and the Commanders assumed his entire contract from the Indianapolis Colts. Suddenly, Washington’s cap space became a problem.
The Commanders always knew of a way to clear some quick cap space. Safety Landon Collins was set to count $16 million against Washington’s salary cap in 2022, but if the Commanders released him as a post-June 1 cut, they would gain an additional $11 million after June 1.
Washington, of course, released Collins, along with Ereck Flowers and Matt Ioannidis, just before the new league year began.
After releasing Flowers and Ioannidis, the Commanders gained around $16 million in cap space and still essentially sat out free agency. Washington made modest signings this offseason in guards Andrew Norwell and Trai Turner, wide receiver Alex Erickson and reserve defensive end Efe Obada.
Now that we are past June 1, Washington has received the benefits of releasing Collins. According to Over the Cap, the Commanders have over $18 million in cap space for 2022.
There aren’t a lot of impact free agents available on the market. Sure, Odell Beckham Jr. is available, as is Ndamukong Suh, but neither is a fit for Washington. Don’t be surprised if the Commanders add a free agent or two before training camp next month. Defensive tackle Star Lotulelei remains a possibility for Washington, but he won’t demand much.
Washington’s cap space is ideal for the team to land an extension with wide receiver Terry McLaurin. The Commanders inked extensions with defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and tight end Logan Thomas just before training camp last season.
While McLaurin’s deal could be a bit more difficult due to the ever-changing wide receiver market, a similar timeline could be in play for the…
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