Commanders release veteran DB

McCain had one season remaining on his current contract, an $11M pact he signed last offseason. That deal, in turn, came after a one-year stint in the nation’s capital following his release from the Dolphins. The former fifth-rounder had a six-year stay in Miami and followed it up with a strong first season with the Commanders

His production in 2021 (including four interceptions and nine pass deflections) earned him the two-year accord the following offseason. McCain continued to see time in a hybrid slot corner/safety role this past year, once again logging a snap share of 93%. He racked up 76 tackles but was held without an interception for only the second time in his career and the first since his rookie season.

This move will see Washington open up $2.3M in cap space if it is processed as a pre-June 1 cut. If the team designates it as a post-June 1 release, that figure will rise to $4.4M. Moving on from McCain will clear a path to increased playing time for the team’s other options on the backend, including Darrick Forrest and Percy Butler. The latter two flashed potential this season as compliments to Kamren Curl in a three-safety look. As recent draftees, they carry a far lower financial cost than McCain.

The 29-year-old is now on the market for the second time in the past three years and will look to catch on with a team that will allow him to maintain a starting role. For the Commanders, this move will add incrementally to their financial flexibility, which has increased dramatically now that the team has moved on from quarterback Carson Wentz.