The Washington Commanders could shock the world by cutting any of these three players during the offseason.
The Washington NFL franchise has now officially rebranded heading into the 2022 season as the Commanders. With the new name, the Commanders would no doubt like to make a huge statement in their first year. Granted, this is a team that made it to the playoffs in 2020.
Much like any NFL franchise, they will have to make some tough decisions heading into the 2022 regular-season. Whether that is to free up cap space or to make room for incoming free agency signings or NFL Draft picks. With that, that can cause some surprising names hitting the open market.
Here are three players the Commanders could cut prior to the 2022 regular season.
3. Ereck Flowers, G
When looking at Washington’s roster, their offensive line is one of their greatest strengths. This offseason, however, guard Brandon Scherff is scheduled to become a free agent.
Scherff is a five-time Pro Bowler and could earn himself a hefty contract from teams in need of a top-tier offensive guard. Spotrac lists Scherff’s market value at $12.9 million annually. Even though the Commanders have over $30 million in cap space entering the 2022 league year, they will have to free up some money is by cutting a player with a huge salary.
One candidate is fellow offensive guard Ereck Flowers.
Washington signed Flowers for the 2019 season, where he had a bit of a career resurgence making the transition from tackle to guard. After that year, Flowers signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. Flowers’ stint in Miami lasted one year, as he was traded back to Washington.
This past season, Flowers allowed six sacks and received two penalties on 1,061 snaps, per Pro Football Focus.
While cutting a starting offensive lineman is not ideal, bringing back Scherff should be one of Washington’s top priorities this offseason. Flowers carries a $10 million cap hit in 2022 and releasing him will free up the entirety of that hit.