Commanders Predicted to Sign Browns $18 Million Free Agent to Address Dire Need

Veteran center Ethan Pocic could provide a one-year stopgap solution for Washington's offensive line.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:56pm

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The Washington Commanders are in need of a starting center after releasing Tyler Biadasz, and one analyst predicts they will sign former Cleveland Browns center Ethan Pocic, who is still a free agent after playing out his three-year, $18 million contract.

Why it matters

The Commanders' offensive line was a weak spot last season, and adding a reliable veteran like Pocic could help stabilize the unit while the team looks for a long-term solution at the position through the draft or other free agent signings.

The details

Pocic, a 10-year NFL veteran, started 97 games for the Browns over the past four seasons. While not an elite center, he has proven to be a capable starter, allowing just two sacks and 14 pressures in 826 snaps last year. This is a significant upgrade over the Commanders' current projected starter, Nick Allegretti, who struggled mightily in limited action last season.

  • Pocic will turn 31 before the 2026 NFL season starts.

The players

Ethan Pocic

A 10-year NFL veteran center who spent the last four seasons with the Cleveland Browns, starting 97 games and proving to be a capable starter despite not being an elite player at the position.

Tyler Biadasz

The former starting center for the Washington Commanders, who was released this offseason despite being a starting-caliber player, leading to the team's need at the position.

Nick Allegretti

The Commanders' current projected starting center, who struggled mightily in limited action last season, posting poor grades across the board.

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What they’re saying

“Ethan Pocic wouldn't be a long-term solution for the team — he'll turn 31 before the season starts. He has also missed multiple games in three of the past four seasons, including four a year ago.”

— Gary Davenport, Bleacher Report Analyst

“However, the 10th-year veteran is a capable NFL starter with 97 career starts under his belt and allowed just two sacks in 826 snaps last year with the Cleveland Browns.”

— Gary Davenport, Bleacher Report Analyst

What’s next

The Commanders will need to negotiate a contract with Pocic, likely a one-year deal, to bring him in as a stopgap solution at center while they address the position long-term.

The takeaway

The Commanders' decision to release Tyler Biadasz has left them with a glaring need at center, and signing the veteran Ethan Pocic could provide a reliable short-term fix while the team looks to the draft or free agency for a long-term solution at the position.