The Washington Commanders took another step toward building their 53-man roster, releasing six players ahead of the leagueâs final cutdown deadline. The moves impacted several veterans and young hopefuls, as the team narrowed its depth chart in preparation for Week 1.
The six players released were cornerback Essang Bassey, wide receiver Michael Gallup, center Nick Harris, tackle Tyre Phillips, defensive tackle Norell Pollard, and wide receiver Braylon Sanders. Each came to Washington with a different story, ranging from established veterans looking for fresh starts to developmental players trying to make their mark.
The first wave of @Commanders cuts have been announced. The team is parting ways with WRâs Michael Gallup and Braylon Sanders. Also released are: CB Essang Bassey, C Nick Harris, T Tyre Phillips and DT Norell Pollard. #NFL #RaiseHail
â Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewisJr) August 25, 2025
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For head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters, these decisions are part of a difficult but necessary process. While the Commanders have shown depth across several positions, final roster cuts demand hard calls on players who simply could not fit into the teamâs long-term plans.
A Look Back at Their Journeys
Essang Bassey entered the NFL with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Known for his quickness and versatility in the secondary, he bounced between Denver and Los Angeles before signing with Washington earlier this offseason. He competed for a depth role in the defensive backfield but ultimately could not secure a spot.
Michael Gallup was perhaps the biggest name among the cuts. A third-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 2018, Gallup enjoyed a breakout season in 2019 with over 1,100 yards. Injuries slowed his production in later years, and after Dallas moved on, he landed with Washington to compete for a depth role behind Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel. Despite flashes of his old playmaking ability, the team decided to move in a different direction.
Nick Harris joined Washington after four seasons with the Cleveland Browns and one with the Seattle Seahawks, where he was drafted in the fifth round in 2020. Injuries limited his ability to secure a long-term starting role, and he came to Washington as a versatile interior lineman. His release reflects the teamâs confidence in younger offensive line depth.
Tyre Phillips, a third-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2020, offered size and experience at tackle. He spent time with the New York Giants before joining the Commanders, where he provided veteran competition on the offensive line.
Defensive tackle Norell Pollard, a rookie out of Virginia Tech, signed with Washington as an undrafted free agent this summer. Despite an impressive motor, he could not crack a deep defensive line rotation.
Wide receiver Braylon Sanders came from the Miami Dolphins, where he spent time as a practice squad player after leaving Ole Miss in 2022. Washington gave him another opportunity after completing a championship season with the UFL’s DC Defenders, but the competition at wide receiver proved too steep.
Moving Forward
The Commandersâ decision to release these six players highlights the competitiveness of this yearâs roster. Washington now turns its focus toward finalizing its 53-man squad and preparing for a season filled with rising expectations. While Bassey, Gallup, Harris, Phillips, Pollard, and Sanders move on to new opportunities, their departures mark another step in shaping a team aiming for sustained success in 2025.
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