Much of this offseason has been spent in Washington trying to figure out what pieces the team can add to become instant contenders over the next year or two. The obvious answers come at the quarterback or wide receiver position, with some eyeing top linebackers or safeties as well.
However, there is also a need for improvement at the left tackle position, and in their recent piece predicting landing spots for the top free agents in the NFL, Pro Football Focus has LT Russell Okung signing a three-year, $50 million deal with the Washington Football Team.
Okung has ties to Washington: Marty Hurney, who traded for Okung as general manager for the Carolina Panthers back in 2020, is now the executive vice president of football of player personnel for the Football Team (in other words, he has some say in the shaping of the roster). Washington is in need of a left tackle and has the money to afford a guy like Okung.
Okung has played just over 650 snaps over the last couple of years for the Chargers and Panthers. He was average at best on those reps, earning a PFF grade that ranked 46th among 90 qualifying tackles, and he turns 34 years old in the middle of next season. Needless to say, this would be an extremely risky bet for Washington.
No matter what Washington decides to do at the LT position this season, there is going to be risk. PFF noted the risk that comes with Okung, but WFT could also choose to rely on guys who are already on the roster, like Geron Christian, Saahdiq Charles or Cornelius Lucas. There is no certainty that any of those players will play up to expectations.
Paying someone like Okung top dollar is absolutely risky, but it could also bring a major payoff.
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