Will the Washington Commanders sign a veteran wide receiver before training camp? That seems like the biggest question surrounding the franchise as training camp approaches.
But what if Washington looks to shore up another questionable position? Just last week, the Commanders signed cornerback Rasul Douglas, adding much-needed experienced depth to that room. There is another position where Washington could use some depth: center.
The Commanders surprisingly released starting center Tyler Biadasz before free agency. Biadasz quickly landed on his feet, signing a three-year deal with the Chargers. Washington was reportedly interested in free-agent center Tyler Linderbaum, but didn’t anticipate the Raiders giving him $27 million per season.
The Commanders appear happy going into the season with veteran Nick Allegretti at center. They extended him this offseason, and there has been little talk of anyone else challenging him. Washington believes there will be little to no drop-off from Biadasz to Allegretti, with the latter costing much less.
On paper, that makes sense. But Washington didn’t need the cap space. What if another starting-level center were available to challenge Allegretti in training camp?
There is. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that former Browns starting center Ethan Pocic was recently cleared and is “full go” for training camp after suffering a torn Achilles in December.
Browns starting center Ethan Pocic, who tore his Achilles last December, recently was cleared by Dr. Norman Waldrop to participate in training camp. Pocic is a free agent, and is said by a source to be “full go.” pic.twitter.com/yfmZ1W4SH1
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2026
Pocic, who turns 31 in August, is a nine-year veteran with 114 career games, including 97 starts. He spent the past four seasons in Cleveland, where he started all 57 games he played in. According to Pro Football Focus, Pocic finished last season with a 63.8 grade, which was No. 20 in the NFL. Allegretti, 30, has played center and guard throughout his NFL career, but he’s mostly been at guard. He said earlier this offseason that center was his best position.
Pocic has been a free agent since March. However, he probably remained unsigned until teams received assurances that he’d be ready for training camp.
Pocic should have no trouble finding a team. Will Washington be an option? If you look at the Commanders’ offensive line, center is the only real question mark heading into 2026. If nothing else, adding Pocic would give Washington excellent depth. It’s worth noting that the Commanders will be under center more often in 2026, something quarterback Jayden Daniels hasn’t done much of in the NFL. Do the Commanders trust Allegretti enough with that responsibility?
We’ll see.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Former Seahawks, Browns starting center could be option for Commanders
