Cornelius Lucas is making a return to the Washington Commanders, marking one of several carryovers as the team transforms both its offensive line and overall roster.
On Tuesday, the Commanders re-signed Lucas to a contract for the upcoming season, valued at up to $4 million, according to a person familiar with the agreement who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity as the deal had not been officially announced.
Lucas, who will turn 33 before the start of training camp in July, is poised to vie for the vacant left tackle position following the departure of former starter Charles Leno earlier in the month. Since joining Washington in 2020, Lucas has started 31 games and appeared in 62 as the team’s swing tackle, after stints with Detroit, the Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans, and Chicago.
He joins three other players retained from the previous regime: safety and 2022 All-Pro special teams player Jeremy Reaves, punt returner Jamison Crowder, and defensive end Efe Obada. General manager Adam Peters has also overseen the influx of approximately 20 new players as part of a comprehensive roster overhaul.
Looking ahead, the Commanders are anticipated to target at least one left tackle prospect in the upcoming NFL draft, as Peters and new head coach Dan Quinn rebuild the team. While they hold the No. 2 overall pick and could consider a quarterback, they also possess multiple selections in the second and third rounds.
Peters has already initiated significant changes to the offensive line, addressing concerns over the protection of quarterbacks after Sam Howell endured the most sacks in the league last season. The team released center Nick Gates and subsequently signed former Dallas center Tyler Biadasz and Super Bowl-winning Chiefs guard Nick Allegretti. These additions complement returning right guard Sam Cosmi and right tackle Andrew Wylie.
The revamped offensive line will support the running game, led by Brian Robinson Jr., free agent acquisition Austin Ekeler, and 2023 draft pick Chris Rodriguez Jr.
As for the passing game, the Commanders have made moves to bolster their quarterback depth, signing veteran backup Marcus Mariota for the upcoming season and trading Howell, while being linked to draft prospects such as North Carolina’s Drake Maye, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, and LSU’s Jayden Daniels.
