The Washington Commanders are in need of a center now that Tyler Biadasz has been released and agreed to terms with the Los Angeles Chargers. There's a chance their answer is already on the roster.
Although Nick Allegretti is not a pending free agent, the Commanders believed it was a priority for them to extend the interior offensive lineman and keep him on the roster for a bit longer. There currently aren't any other players on the roster with experience at center in the NFL, so it would be logical to assume that Allegretti is at least in the running to be the team's starting center.
Allegretti isn't sure exactly what's in store for him, but he's ready to compete and carve out a role.
"I know that I can play center, right guard, left guard," Allegretti said. "Whatever it is, I want to compete for a spot. If that center job is something I can compete for, that's something I want to do."
Allegretti, a seven-year veteran with 34 starts in 107 games, has specialized at guard throughout his professional career and even started at left guard for the Commanders during the entire 2024 season. He's been relatively solid in that span, particularly as a pass protector. In 1,576 career pass blocking snaps, he's allowed just five sacks and 13 quarterback hits.
Although center is a position Allegretti is familiar with -- he played at the spot dating back to his elementary school days -- it isn't one he has much experience with at the professional level. Prior to the 2025 season, he played just 78 career snaps at the position, most of which came in his final season with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023.
But once Biadasz suffered a leg injury against the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Day that forced him to miss the season finale, the Commanders decided to slide Allegretti over into the role. Allegretti held his own against the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive front, allowing zero pressures on 34 pass blocking snaps. It was his second highest grade of the season from Pro Football Focus and his best as a starter since Week 7 of the 2024 season.
For Allegretti, there's a lot to like about playing center in the NFL, particularly when it comes to the level of leadership required of the position.
"Before J [quarterback Jayden Daniels] gets the play call and gets in the huddle, it's my huddle," Allegretti said. "Just getting the boys ready, getting the boys right for when J is in the huddle."
Allegretti also likes how the level of communication increases for centers. It's a noticeable step up from guard, who mostly communicates with the offensive tackle on their side as well as the center. At center, he communicates with the entire offensive line, the quarterback and even the tight end on certain plays.
"I get to use those skills and the things I've learned in the mental side of football probably the most at center, so I really enjoy that," Allegretti said.
There's going to be more of an emphasis on the Commanders' center position this season compared to previous years. The offense will utilize more plays under center -- a big departure from the no-huddle, up-tempo style used under Kliff Kingsbury -- with David Blough taking over as the offensive coordinator. It will be part of an effort to make the offense more balanced, which Blough and head coach Dan Quinn believe will create more opportunities for explosive plays.
That all sounds good to Allegretti, especially with Blough taking over as the play caller.
"That's an awesome hire," Allegretti said. "He's just the right guy that you want in the building. Loves what he's doing, has his priorities straight. Loves football."
It's not a guarantee that Allegretti will be the Commanders' starting center. As the only player with center experience on the roster, he could be joined by either a veteran, a rookie or both. That would fall in line with how the Commanders have structured every other position on the roster. They choose to let players compete for positions rather than hand them over.
And that's just fine with Allegretti, and even if he doesn't earn the job, he's glad to be back.
"Really excited to help out in whatever way I can," Allegretti said.
