The Washington Commanders may have found a short-term solution at quarterback in trading for Carson Wentz but, without question, they discovered an immediate squeeze on their salary cap.
After entering the offseason with a mountain of cap space, taking on Wentz's contract — which runs through 2024 with a potential out after next season — should take Washington's available spending room down to around $5.9 million.
There's one immediate solution to this problem, and it could spell an early end for Landon Collins in Washington after three seasons. Collins still has three years remaining on his six-year, $84 million deal ($44.5 million guaranteed). Cutting him now would free up approx. $6.48 million.
It would be unfortunate timing for Collins, who finally seemed to find his place in Washington's defense in 2021 after reluctantly taking on more of a hybrid role playing in the box.
Initially wary of changing positions, Collins transformed into an impact player at the line for Washington, renewing his value to a coaching staff with few other options for him.
While it's true, Wentz's contract still leaves Washington with plenty of long-term flexibility, they may have to suffer with him in the short term first.
