Potential salary cap casualty candidates Commanders could strike gold on during 2026 NFL free agency period
The Commanders’ top targets this offseason may not even be available until teams start releasing these salary cap casualty players.
The Washington Commanders need to be active this offseason after learning from their mistakes last year, and they’re projected to be spenders in free agency.
They’ll have to overcome their own hurdles with 32 pending free agents and a limited free agency market this offseason. Some players’ contracts will shock fans with an overinflation due to the salary cap boost as well.
The Commanders need to find those young ascending players at great value, but some notable salary cap casualty candidates could also save their offseason. Here’s a list of who to watch in the coming weeks that could be released by their team and hit the market this offseason.
Michael Pittman Jr, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Yes, cutting Michael Pittman Jr. would be insane, but the Colts may have no choice with Alec Pierce expected to either get a massive contract or a very pricey franchise tag soon. The Colts also have a very expensive cloud over their heads with QB Daniel Jones, who is also recovering from an Achilles injury.
Pittman is rumored to be the odd man out at just 28 years old, but carries a $29 million salary cap hit next season. Releasing Pittman Jr. would save the Colts almost $24 million in salary cap space in 2026. He would instantly be the Commanders’ top target as a younger, big-bodied target for Jayden Daniels, and an offseason miracle for Washington.
Rashan Gary, EDGE, Green Bay Packers
Rashan Gary is another player at a premium position who could be an unexpected addition this offseason. The Commanders have said that they will add an EDGE rusher this offseason, and they should honestly add one before and during the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Packers traded for Micah Parsons and still have Lukas Van Ness, so Gary could be out with a $28 million cap hit in 2026. Gary might not be worth his current contract, but he had 7.5 sacks and 54 pressures in 2025, and could be the next starter for the Commanders as a sure run-stopper as well.
Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Chicago Bears
Tremaine Edmunds could be on the chopping block with the fourth-highest salary cap hit among all linebackers next year at $17.4 million in 2026. The Chicago Bears would save $15 million in salary cap space, which would help them get back in the positives before free agency. The Commanders need to add another LB alongside Frankie Luvu on Daronte Jones’ new defense.
Edmunds is 6-5, 250 pounds, and just 27 years old, and he would instantly be a boost to the Commanders’ defense in coverage, as a run stopper, and as a blitzer.
T.J. Hockenson, TE, Minnesota Vikings
T.J. Hockenson will be 29 years old when the 2026 season starts, and hopefully, he can get back to his older self. He’s taken a step back over the last two seasons in Minnesota and had his targets and production cut in half after suffering an ACL injury.
The Commanders are reportedly looking for a pass-catching tight end this offseason, and Hockenson could be a backup option if they miss on Isaiah Likely or Kyle Pitts. Having a veteran in a younger room could also help continue the development of Ben Sinnott and Jon Bates. Hockenson has a salary cap hit of $21.3 million for the Vikings in 2026, so it makes sense.
Kenny Moore, CB, Indianapolis Colts
Kenny Moore would be one of the more surprising cut candidates this offseason, but he played in just 76% of snaps last season. He’s 31 years old next season, but the Commanders desperately need a starting nickel corner, and Moore is still a stud in coverage and also one of the best run-defending corners in the league.
Jones loves experienced corners with high-Iq, and that’s exactly what Moore would be in Washington, and one less hole to fill on the roster before the NFL Draft.
Washington Commanders News
Three cut candidates for Commanders to free up more salary cap space before 2026 NFL free agency period
The Commanders have three cut candidates who could free up even more salary cap space before they go on a spending spree in free agency.
