The Washington Commanders announced they have released defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis and veteran guard Ereck Flowers, creating salary-cap space but more positions to fill.
Washington tried to trade Ioannidis before deciding to release him, a source told ESPN. Safety Deshazor Everett was also released.
The moves weaken both lines, for now at least, but save Washington a combined $16.9 million against the salary cap. The Commanders, as reported earlier this week, also are releasing safety Landon Collins, which will save them another $6.6 million.
Washington needed to free up room after acquiring quarterback Carson Wentz, who counts $28 million vs. the cap. That move left Washington with about $5 million in cap space prior to the releases. But some of these moves likely would have been made anyway.
By cutting Ioannidis, Washington lost more depth along the defensive front — an area of strength the past two seasons. Another reserve, Tim Settle, will sign a two-year deal with Buffalo on Wednesday.
According to a source, Washington made a last-second effort to keep Settle, but could not match a deal that averages up to $4.5 million per year.
The Commanders still have four first-round picks starting along the front with tackles Jon Allen and Daron Payne and ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young.
Ioannidis, a fifth-round pick in 2016, recorded 24.5 sacks in 73 games with Washington. But 16 of those occurred in 2018-19. He missed 13 games in 2020 and had 2.5 sacks in 16 games this past season.
Washington traded for Flowers last spring, swapping seventh-round picks with Miami. Flowers started 16 games. He also played for Washington in 2019, signing as a free agent and moving from tackle to guard. He then signed a three-year deal with Miami.
Washington also must replace perennial Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Scherff, who is signing a three-year deal with Jacksonville.