With free agency officially set to start Wednesday, the Washington Commanders are clearing cap space. One cap casualty is sure to be a surprise to many following Washington closely.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter the Commanders are releasing offensive lineman Ereck Flowers.
The Commanders will save $10 million towards the salary cap with Flowers’ release.
Ereck Flowers resurrected his then-failing NFL career with a strong 2019 season with Washington under famed offensive line coach Bill Callahan. Flowers, who was initially drafted by the New York Giants as an offensive tackle, found his new home at guard.
He signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Miami Dolphins in 2020. Washington tried to retain him but the dollars were too much to pass up in Miami. But the Commanders’ desire to get Flowers back led to them trading for him in 2021.
Washington only assumed a $3 million cap hit in 2021 after Flowers agreed to restructure his contract.
Flowers once again thrived in Washington last season. He solidified the left guard position and with experience gave depth at tackle. He had two penalties and allowed six sacks in 1,062 offensive snaps.
Pro Football Focus rated him 13th among all offensive guards in the league last year.
With five-time Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Scherff leaving for the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency this offseason, Flowers seemed to be a lock for the 2022 season.
However, his $10 million cap hit for Flowers was too looming for Washington, who had little salary cap space after the Carson Wentz trade. Many Washington insiders expected a contract restructure. But ultimately, the Commanders decided to move on and save the full $10 million.
Now, they have openings at both guard positions heading into free agency.
