Commander Country

Washington Commanders 27-year-old surprisingly tells team he's retiring

The Commanders’ head coach announced one veteran offensive lineman is stepping away from the game during training camp.
Darius Hayes|
Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Washington Commanders helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Washington Commanders helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders experienced a surprise change to their offensive line Tuesday morning.

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn announced that veteran offensive lineman Nate Herbig was officially placed on the team’s reserve/retired list.

The move comes just months after Herbig signed with Washington this offseason. He was expected to help provide depth on this improved offensive line. Instead, he has decided to walk away from football before ever taking a snap with the franchise.

READ MORE: Commanders undrafted rookie could surprise, make 53-man roster

Pittsburgh Steelers guard Nate Herbig (71)
Aug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard Nate Herbig (71) reacts as he take the field against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

While the team didn’t disclose further details on the decision, the move frees up a roster spot as training camp progresses.

Herbig entered the league in 2019 and started his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. He had a solid role on the team and was used at many positions across the offensive line. He started 17 games across three seasons in Philly. In 2022, he then joined the New York Jets and spent one season with them before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023, where he appeared in 17 games during the 2023 season. A rotator cuff injury sidelined him for the entire 2024 season.

Now officially on the reserve/retired list, Herbig will not count against Washington’s 90-man training camp roster. The Commanders will move forward with other options such as veteran guard Nick Allegretti as a backup option at guard behind the starters. Washington could explore more depth options via free agency and add them to their roster to give them a shot in training camp.

Herbig’s decision closes the book on a six-year NFL journey, and while his time in Washington ends before it truly began, the Commanders are left with a clearer picture of their offensive line heading into the heart of training camp.

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 offseason.

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Darius Hayes
DARIUS HAYES

Darius Hayes is a writer and contributor for 2 On SI sites, where he covers multiple teams as well as the Atlanta Braves. His work reflects his passion for sports, especially as a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan. Hayes grew up in Trenton, N.J., and now resides in Atlanta, Ga. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and his Master’s in Communications from Georgia State University. In addition to journalism, Hayes serves in the Georgia Army National Guard. He can be followed on Twitter @dariushayes55.

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