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The Commanders found last year they really were thankful to have Cornelius Lucas at swing tackle when rookie right tackle Sam Cosmi was injured. Thursday, Washington re-signed Lucas to again be the man counted on to contribute heavily when needed at either tackle spot for Cosmi or Charles Leno.
OT Cornelius Lucas is re-signing with the Washington Commanders, per source. Broad terms: Two years, $8.2 million.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) March 24, 2022
The Washington offensive line was the team strength in 2021; however, losing Brandon Scherff to the Jaguars (free agent) and releasing left guard Ereck Flowers instantly raised questions and concerns in Commanders fans.
Quickly Washington signed free agent guard Andrew Norwell to replace Flowers. Wes Schweitzer for now is expected to be the starting right guard at the beginning of training camp.
“We won’t have those guys next year, so we’ve got to find replacements for them and that’s what every season boils down to,” Lucas said after signing a two-year contract. “I think we’re going to be ready. Coach (John) Matsko is going to have us ready to go. I’m not worried about it.”
Lucas, when asked said he had “heard from a few teams” and then added, “I picked up a good amount of traction, more than I have in the past. But everyone was faking and booty-shaking and Washington was the only one that came through.”
Lucas, who will be 31 in July, appeared in 15 games, starting 7 in 2021. Undrafted out of Kansas State in 2014, Lucas (6-8, 327) signed with the Lions, playing three seasons in Detroit (2014-16). Then came single seasons with the Rams, Saints and Bears (2017-19). Lucas now enters his third season with Washington (2020-22).
Realistically, the Chicago Bears have helped Washington greatly, with Washington reaping great benefits from the signings of tackles Leno and Lucas.