Commanders to re-sign veteran OT

Cornelius Lucas is set to continue his time in the nation’s capital. The veteran offensive tackle has agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $4M, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. 

Lucas bounced around to four different teams during the first six years of his career. He played with the Lions, Rams, Saints, and Bears between 2014-19, establishing himself as a spot starter. The 32-year-old primarily played at right tackle before arriving in Washington, but his Commanders spell has also included time on the blindside.

Playing on a two-year contract to begin his time in Washington, Lucas started eight games in 2020 and another seven the following season. He earned his two best PFF grades during that span (78.2 and 75,2), so it was little surprise when the team re-upped him on another two-year pact. The former UDFA was used exclusively at right tackle in 2022, but last season, he saw four starts on the left side (including the final three weeks of the season when he filled in for an injured Charles Leno).

The latter will not return to the Commanders this season, and the team has made several changes up front this offseason. That has included free agent deals with center Tyler Biadaszand guard Nick Allegretti, but this Lucas agreement represents the first move concerning a tackle. A full-time starter on the blindside will likely be a priority during next month’s draft.

With Lucas still in the fold, though, the Commanders will have stability at the swing tackle spot. The Kansas State product has been charged with seven sacks allowed by PFF between the past two seasons, and as a result his overall grades have dipped compared to his best showings. Still, Lucas will be in place as a familiar and experienced spot-start option for 2024.