Agent for released Matt Ioannidis says Washington Commanders 'lied to our face' about plans for veteran DT

The Washington Commanders' release of defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis freed up necessary salary-cap room but angered his representatives, who said they were lied to about his status last month.

Ioannidis' agent, Alan Herman, told ESPN that Washington's senior vice president of football administration Rob Rogers told him they weren't going to release Ioannidis.

«We don't particularly care to be lied to our face,» Herman told The Associated Press. «That's not the way you conduct business in the National Football League.»

Washington announced it had released Ioannidis, as well as veteran guard Ereck Flowers and safety Deshazor Everett, as part of a series of moves that combined to create $18.9 million of cap space.

The Commanders had tried to trade Ioannidis in the past week, a source told ESPN, but with him entering the final year of his contract, they were unsuccessful.

The move surprised Herman.

«When someone tells you two weeks ago that he's solid as a rock, would it take you by surprise?» Herman told ESPN. «Give us a heads up; free agency is coming and we want to make sure the player lands on his feet. Granted, [general manager] Martin Mayhew called and apologized. I've dealt with Rob for years and this is the first time I've ever had a situation like this with him. Always professional.»

According to multiple sources, Washington's plans changed last week after the team acquired quarterback Carson Wentz and his $28 million cap hit for this season. One source also said his understanding was they were told Ioannidis was safe «at this time.»

«It just takes our player out of the market for three days, and that's the troubling part of this,» Herman said. «If you're even thinking about doing it, then give us a heads up so we