The Washington Commanders raised some eyebrows before free agency began, releasing center Tyler Biadasz after two seasons with the team. Since signing a three-year deal in 2024, Biadasz has anchored the interior of Washington’s offensive line, starting 31 of 34 regular-season games and all three postseason games.

Heading into the offseason, the Commanders‘ offensive line was seen as a team strength, with Biadasz viewed more as an extension candidate, rather than a potential release candidate. While we’ve never heard why Washington moved on Biadasz, the team reportedly believes backup Nick Allegretti can hold the position down as well as Biadasz for less money. For whatever it’s worth, Biadasz’s play did take a step back in 2025.

Biadasz wasn’t on the market long, as the Los Angeles Chargers signed him to a three-year deal worth $30 million, the same contract numbers Washington signed him for in 2024.

If anyone kept up with the Chargers last season, you’d know their offensive line was a mess. Left tackle Rashawn Slater was lost for the season before Week 1, while right tackle Joe Alt, who moved to left tackle, was injured and missed 11 games, ending the season on injured reserve. This offseason, Los Angeles completely revamped the interior, signing Biadasz and guard Cole Strange in free agency, while spending a second-round pick on guard Jake Slaughter. The Chargers expect Slater and Alt back in 2026.

So, here’s the question: Are the Chargers right for being excited, or did the Commanders hastily release Biadasz, hoping they could lander former Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum?

Bill Barnwell of ESPN believes signing Biadasz was the Chargers’ best offseason move.

Best: Signing Tyler Biadasz before free agency began. When the Commanders surprisingly cut their veteran center in late February, Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz was wise to get involved. Before Tyler Linderbaum massively propelled the top of the center market forward, the Chargers were able to bring in Biadasz on a three-year deal for $30 million, guaranteeing $15 million of the $20 million he’s owed over the first two seasons.

It was no secret that Washington was in the bidding for Linderbaum until the Raiders blew everyone out of the water with a three-year, $81 million deal to land him. We’ll never know if the Commanders cut Biadasz, expecting to land Linderbaum. If that’s the case, it’s a gamble they badly lost.

Allegretti has played guard and center throughout his NFL career. He likes playing center, feeling it is more natural for him, and is ready for the opportunity. The only other center the Commanders brought in this offseason was Matt Gulbin, a sixth-round pick from Michigan State. Gulbin is no threat to unseat Allegretti, at least initially.

Washington will run a more traditional offense in 2026, with new offensive coordinator David Blough. The Commanders promoted assistant offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton to offensive line coach. Perhaps, Blough and Stapleton simply liked Allegretti better. Biadasz would’ve been a good fit for the zone-blocking scheme that Washington plans to employ.

Something else to watch is quarterback Jayden Daniels. The Commanders plan to play him more under center in 2026. Biadasz has been a full-time NFL center for six seasons and would’ve helped Daniels make the transition smoother.

Washington has had a productive offseason, revamping its defense and making the team younger and faster overall. However, Biadasz is one move that could come back to haunt the Commanders.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: One move they could regret in 2026