2026 will represent the 13th season of Tress Way’s NFL career. It will also likely be the last in the case of the Commanders punter.
“I thought about it a long time,” Way said (via The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala) when stating he is “pretty sure” about retiring after the year. “It has been so special for me playing here because I was an undrafted free agent, cut by the Bears, bounced around, sleeping on the couch and doing workouts…”
“When I got claimed on the waver wire, dude, I just felt wanted here. I’ve felt wanted here my whole career, so I didn’t want to play anywhere else.”
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Way did indeed see time in the Bears’ organization on two occasions. Each of his 201 combined regular and postseason appearances have come during his lengthy Washington run, however. The 36-year-old is currently the Commanders’ longest-tenured player. A move into the franchise’s all-time lead in terms of total punts could take place in 2026, and Way will move into third on the team’s list of games played if he remains healthy this season.
In 2014, Way led the NFL with an average of 47.5 yards per punt. The Oklahoma product managed to top the league in that department once again in 2019, earning a second-team All-Pro nod in the process. Way was also a Pro Bowler that season, something he repeated in 2022 and again last year.
Expectations will be high for another strong showing on special teams in Washington’s case this season. If that is to hold true, Way will no doubt be a key figure. He will collect just over $3MM in 2026, bringing his career earnings to more than $28MM.
