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John Keim, ESPN Staff Writer
The Washington Commanders released two veteran starters and informed a third he’ll be released at the start of the league year, clearing up more cap space but also creating more holes for a new coaching staff to fill.
The Commanders will save approximately $14 million on the salary cap by releasing tight end Logan Thomas, left tackle Charles Leno Jr. and center Nick Gates. Washington made the first two moves official today and have told Gates they plan to release him when the league year begins March 13, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Leno, who will undergo hip surgery next week, represents the biggest savings at $7.28 million, while Thomas’ release will free up another $6.54 million in cap space. Gates, signed last offseason, represents a $333,333 savings.
After these moves the Commanders will have about $91 million to spend, currently the second most in the NFL. In addition to free agency, the team also must account for a rookie salary cap pool of around $9 million.
Thomas signed with Washington during the 2020 offseason and established himself as an all-around tight end. He caught a career-high 72 passes his first season in Washington for 670 yards and six touchdowns. Thomas had played quarterback his first two seasons — Arizona drafted him in the fourth round in 2014 — but switched to tight end in 2016 with Detroit. Thomas caught 184 passes with Washington, including 55 this past season.
But he turns 33 in July, and with a new coaching staff and with his cap savings, he became expendable.
Washington signed Leno in 2021 after Chicago released him after that year’s draft. The Bears picked Leno in the seventh round of the 2014 draft, and he became a full-time starter at left tackle for the final 13 games of the 2015 season. Leno started every game for the next seven years, including his first two in Washington. He missed four games this past season, including three because of the hip injury.
The Commanders signed Gates last offseason, and he started the first seven games before being benched. He returned to the starting lineup for the final three games.
Washington owns five picks in the top 100 of the draft and will look to fortify its offensive line after releasing two primary starters. The Commanders’ usual starting left guard, Saahdiq Charles, will be a free agent.
They have holes at quarterback, defensive end, cornerback and linebacker.