The Washington Commanders announced yet another roster cut to the offensive on Friday. The Commanders announced they were releasing veteran left tackle Charles Leno earlier in the day. They also plan to cut veteran center Nick Gates.
The Washington Commanders are tearing it down
The Commanders appear to be in full rebuild mode this offseason. The team currently has the number two overall pick in the draft. Should the Commanders draft a rookie quarterback in April, the player would be working with many newcomers on the offense.
The Commanders cut tight end Logan Thomas
Per Garafolo with the NFL Network, the cutting spree included veteran tight end Logan Thomas. The Commanders would have been on the hook for $6.5 million in 2024 for keeping him. Thomas had a productive season in 2023 with Sam Howell, catching 55 passes for 496 yards and four touchdowns.
The #Commanders are releasing TE Logan Thomas, sources say. Thomas was due $6.5 million this upcoming season, including a $500k roster bonus later this month.
Thomas, 32, had 55 catches for 496 yards and 4 TDs last season — his highest output in all three categories since 2020. pic.twitter.com/gPCuoioFbk
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 1, 2024
The Commanders are in rebuild mode
But the production wasn’t worth the cost to the rebuilding Commanders. Per Ari Meirov with the 33rd Team, the Commanders have the most money to spend in free agency after Friday cuts. They have $91 million to spend.
The #Commanders now have a league-high $91M in salary cap space after releasing TE Logan Thomas and OT Charles Leno. https://t.co/QV7jENtybx pic.twitter.com/WYWKMjkP7C
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 1, 2024
The roster teardown should caution Commanders fans who want the team to trade with the Chicago Bears for the number-one pick in April’s draft to take Caleb Williams. Commanders’ general manager Adam Peters appears to be closer to the position Bears GM Ryan Poles was in during the last offseason.
The Commanders could be looking at trading down in the first round.