There are no guarantees in the NFL, even for the league's most notable players.
Nick Allegretti is not looking for any promises with the Washington Commanders. He just wants an opportunity to compete, and that's what he's going to get.
"I have a ton of respect for the guys in Kansas City," Allegretti said. "I enjoyed my role there, but I think I had gotten to the point in my career where I wanted to come and be a starter in Week 1. That's my goal coming to Washington."
Allegretti, a seventh-round pick in 2019, was primarily a backup in his five years with the Chiefs. As fun as it was to be part of a dynasty that has won three Super Bowls, Allegretti was looking for something new, and he viewed Washington as a prime destination to show that he can be a full-time starter.
After five years of being patient, he's excited for the chance to show what he can do.
"This was a great opportunity," Allegretti said. "I have a ton of respect for Coach [Dan] Quinn and what he's been able to accomplish in his career. It looked like I had a great opportunity to come in here and compete. That's all I wanted."
Allegretti, who has 13 starts in 74 games, is confident that he's ready for the next step in his career. In fact, he's felt for about two years that he's developed enough to take on that role. He was bumped up to the starting lineup for 12 total games in 2020, including the entirety of the Chiefs' playoff run that season, and allowed just one sack in the regular season.
But Allegretti didn't feel that he was truly ready to be a mainstay on an offensive line until his fourth season when he had to play in relief for Jone Thuney, who was ruled out just hours before kickoff in Week 5 of the 2022 season against the Rams.
That wasn't much time to prepare for Aaron Donald, but Allegretti held his own in the 30-29 win over the Rams, allowing zero snaps and just two pressures on 72 snaps. There's nothing like going toe-to-toe with a future Hall of Famer to build up your confidence.
"That's about as challenging of a task as there is in this league, outside of probably blocking a couple of the guys we have here [in Washington]," Allegretti said. "I was able to go out there and compete my butt off. That was a huge confidence builder for me."
Allegretti's conviction in his ability continued to grow for the next two seasons. The problem was that the Chiefs already had an established offensive line, so the most he could do was be a backup and play when called upon. Allegretti received some opportunities; he started in Weeks 12 and 13 during the 2022 season and in the 2023 regular season finale on top of stepping during the Chiefs' Super Bowl run.
Still, Allegretti couldn't shake the feeling that he was ready for more. He found joy in his role with the Chiefs, but it was a mental grind to prepare for three different positions every week. As much he liked being with the Chiefs and competing for a championship every year, he would rather be somewhere that allowed him to be a starter.
"I felt like a starter," Allegretti said. "I knew that I could be a Day 1 starter, and that's what I'm here to prove."
Allegretti came to Washington at the right time, because the team is overhauling several positions. Players like Saahdiq Charles, Charles Leno Jr., Nick Gates and Tyler Larsen, all of whom started games for Washington, are either on the market or with new teams. Right guard Sam Cosmi and right tackle Andrew Wylie are the only two starters remaining from last year.
Take a look at Nick Allegretti's time in Kansas City before coming to Washington. (Photos via The Associated Press)
Kansas City Chiefs offensive guard Nick Allegretti (73) and offensive guard Cameron Erving (75) in action during an NFL preseason football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Bengals, 38-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti (73) takes a moment to pray on the sideline prior to an NFL Super Bowl 58 football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (David Gray/Kansas City Chiefs via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti (73) celebrates with guard Trey Smith (65) as confetti falls following an NFL Super Bowl 58 football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. The Chiefs won 25-22 in overtime. (David Gray/Kansas City Chiefs via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti (73) celebrates with guard Trey Smith (65) following an NFL Super Bowl 58 football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. The Chiefs won 25-22 in overtime. (David Gray/Kansas City Chiefs via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti (73) celebrates following an NFL Super Bowl 58 football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. The Chiefs won 25-22 in overtime. (David Gray/Kansas City Chiefs via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Blaine Gabbert (9) and Kansas City Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti (73) celebrate after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in overtime during the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti (73) blocks during the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. The Chiefs defeated the 49ers in overtime, 25-22. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) receives the ball during the NFL championship playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Bills 38-24. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti (73) runs across the field during the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, in Baltimore, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. The Kansas City Chiefs won 17-10. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti (73) blocks during the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. (Steve Sanders/Kansas City Chiefs via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti (73) lines up during the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, in Baltimore, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. The Kansas City Chiefs won 17-10. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Nick Allegretti (73) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022 in Santa Clara, Calif. The Chiefs defeated the 49ers 44-23. (Greg Trott via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti (73) defends against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Rams, 26-10. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti (73) stands on the sideline during an NFL game against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Sep. 10, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs beat the Texans 34-20. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti (73) blocks against the Los Angeles Rams during a NFL football game Sunday, Nov 27. 15, 2022 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Rams, 26-10. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti celebrates with teammates after catching a pass for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti (73) blocks during the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. The Chiefs defeated the Ravens 17-10. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti (73) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Monday, Oct. 10, 2022 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Kansas City Chiefs offensive guard Nick Allegretti (73) moves in to block Tampa Bay Buccaneers nose tackle Steve McLendon (96) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 55 football game, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti (73) downs a punt near the end zone ahead of Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Keanu Neal (42) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Nick Allegretti (73) waits to snap the ball during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022 in Santa Clara, Calif. The Chiefs defeated the 49ers 44-23. (Greg Trott via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs offensive guard Nick Allegretti (73) celebrates catching his first NFL Touchdown during the wildcard playoff football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, January 16, 2022 in Kansas City. (Steve Sanders/Kansas City Chiefs via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Mike Remers, Andrew Wylie, Austin Reiter, Nick Allegretti and Eric Fisher walk to the line as they break the huddle against the Denver Broncos during a NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Broncos 22-16. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) motions prior to the play during the NFL Super Bowl 55 football game Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Feb. 7, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti (73) blocks during the AFC Championship NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, in Baltimore. The Chiefs won 17-10. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti (73) and tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrate during an NFL divisional round playoff football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in Kansas City. The Chiefs beat the Browns 22-17. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti (73) in action during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti (73) and offensive tackle Donovan Smith (79) step up to block during the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, in Baltimore, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. The Kansas City Chiefs won 17-10. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti (73) in action during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, in Baltimore, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024 (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Kansas City Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti (73) lines up during the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. The Chiefs defeated the Ravens 17-10. (Joe Robbins via AP)
The Commanders have already made moves to fill the other three spots up front by bringing in Tyler Biadasz from the Dallas Cowboys and re-signing Cornelius Lucas. Biadasz has been an established starter for years, while Lucas, Washington's swing tackle since 2020, has played well at left tackle. General manager Adam Peters also said during the league's annual meetings that he would be fine with either Lucas or Trent Scott starting in 2024.
That leaves left guard, which works out for Allegretti since that is where he's spent much of his time. He's not looking to be handed the job, but he does feel like he has a lot to offer with his new team. Aside from the experience of winning three Super Bowl and knowing what it takes to reach that goal, he wants to add physicality and effort to the group.
"If you can get 11 guys playing as hard as they possibly can, you're gonna win a lot of football games," Allegretti said.
That's certainly the plan in the new era of Commanders football.
"Physicality and effort are the two things that I can control," Allegretti said. "I know I'm gonna have to block some incredible athletes."
