Contract details for Titans OL Saahdiq Charles revealed

A look at the contract OL Saahdiq Charles signed with the Titans.

The Tennessee Titans inked offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles to a one-year deal in free agency, but the full details of the contract were not immediately revealed when it was announced.

Thanks to Over the Cap, we now know Charles’ one-year deal is worth $1.5 million and includes $250,000 guaranteed, which comes from his signing bonus. The contract also has a $75,000 per game roster bonus.

Charles’ 2024 cap hit comes out to $1.5 million, but if he’s cut prior to the season, the LSU product would only cost a dead-cap charge of $250,000 while netting the Titans a savings of $1.25 million.

Here’s the full breakdown, per OTC:

Via Over the Cap

The expectation has been that Charles, who has experience playing at guard and tackle (but mostly guard), would play a reserve role for the Titans, and this contract certainly shows that’s the right expectation.

And, based on the low total of guaranteed money, he’s far from a lock to make the roster, although I do think he’s got a good shot to.

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Grade for Titans’ signing of OL Saahdiq Charles

Bryce Lazenby slaps a grade on the Titans’ signing of OL Saahdiq Charles.

Coming into the offseason, everybody knew that the Tennessee Titans needed to make changes on the offensive line.

The team quickly moved to do just that by adding center Lloyd Cushenberry, but the Titans had more than one position to upgrade.

Shortly after free agency opened, the Titans reached an agreement with offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles, who was a fourth-round selection of the Washington Commanders back in the 2020 NFL draft.

The lineman got the most starts of his career in 2023 with 10, playing exclusively at left guard. He’s also received eight career starts at tackle.

For his 2023 performance that saw him give up four sacks and 37 pressures, Charles received a 55.5 PFF grade. The lineman was penalized three times, also.

The Titans likely won’t rely on Charles to start full time, but he’s an athletic, versatile lineman who provides much-needed depth.

As for the financials, the deal is reportedly a one-year pact with a max value of $2.5 million.

This is a low-risk, high-reward move to help shore up the offensive line depth. The Titans need players who can fill in and not be a liability, and Charles is exactly that.

This is the type of signing that won’t make headlines, but could pay dividends as the season wears on.

Grade: B+

Commanders place Cody Barton, Saahdiq Charles on IR

Cody Barton, Saahdiq Charles will miss at least the next four games.

The Washington Commanders will be without two starters for at least the next four weeks.

On Saturday, Washington placed linebacker Cody Barton (ankle) and left guard Saahdiq Charles (calf) on injured reserve. Both players can return this season but will miss a minimum of four games.

The Commanders made some corresponding moves, activating defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis from IR and elevating linebacker Jabril Cox and cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields from the practice squads. Additionally, Washington signed fullback/tight end Alex Armah to the active roster.

Barton had played every snap through Washington’s first six games until he was injured in the first quarter of the Week 7 loss to the Giants. The combination of David Mayo and Khaleke Hudson will step in for Barton. Barton had struggled in his first year with Washington but played his best game in the Week 6 win over Atlanta.

Charles is in the final year of his rookie contract and continues to struggle with injuries. Washington is expected to start either rookie Ricky Stromberg or Chris Paul at left guard. If the Commanders bench center Nick Gates for Tyler Larsen, Gates could also be an option at left guard.

Washington hosts the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8.

Commanders vs. Eagles: Final injury report for Week 8

Two starters are out for the Commanders on Sunday.

The final injury report is in for Week 8, and the Washington Commanders will be without two starters vs. the Philadelphia Eagles.

Linebacker Cody Barton and left guard Saahdiq Charles will miss Sunday’s game after suffering injuries in last week’s loss to the Giants. Either rookie Ricky Stromberg or second-year guard Chris Paul will start in Charles’ place. As for Barton, veteran David Mayo replaced him last week, but Khaleke Hudson will also see increased snaps. Hudson is a player who has always delivered when called upon.

Only one player is out for the Eagles: veteran backup cornerback Bradley Roby.

Here’s the full injury report for the Week 8 game.

Washington’s final injury report:

  • G Saahdiq Charles: Out (calf)
  • WR Curtis Samuel: Questionable (foot)
  • LB Cody Barton: Out (ankle)
  • G Sam Cosmi: Will play (hip)
  • TE Cole Turner: Will play (ankle)
  • DT Jonathan Allen: Will play (knee)
  • DT Phidarian Mathis: Questionable (calf)
  • DE Montez Sweat: Will play (finger)
  • CB Benjamin St-Juste: Questionable (ankle)

Philadelphia’s final injury report:

  • CB Bradley Roby: Out (shoulder)
  • DT Milton Williams: Will play (heel)
  • S Reed Blankenship: Will play (ribs)
  • DT Jordan Davis: Questionable (hamstring)
  • LB Zach Cunningham: Will play (ankle)
  • CB James Bradberry: Will play (ankle)

 

Former Washington offensive lineman is a big fan of Saahdiq Charles

Saahdiq Charles received some high praise.

Mark Schlereth played the first six seasons of his NFL career with the then-Washington Redskins. A 10th-round selection in the 1989 NFL draft out of Idaho, Schlereth appeared in 75 games for Washington, making 59 starts. He earned a Super Bowl ring from his time with Washington as a member of “The Hogs.”

Schlereth left Washington for Denver, where he would spend the final six seasons of his NFL career, winning two more Super Bowls. After retirement, Schlereth joined the media world, appearing on ESPN for years before moving to FOX Sports in 2017, where he remains today.

Schlereth will be on the call for Washington’s Week 1 game against the Arizona Cardinals, something for which he is excited. Schlereth has spoken out in support of Washington’s new ownership group since Josh Harris took over as owner in July.

In studying for Sunday’s game against the Cardinals, Schlereth did what all good analysts do: He watched the tape. Which Washington player stood out on tape? Fourth-year guard Saahiq Charles.

Of course, Schlereth would choose a guard.

He explained what he saw in Charles, noting Charles was “absolutely freaking killing people.”

Here’s further context, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.

Charles was in competition with Chris Paul to start at left guard this offseason. Charles missed some time with injury, but it was clear Washington wanted Charles to win the job. Head coach Ron Rivera has always praised Charles, noting his biggest obstacle has been his health.

If Charles can remain healthy this fall, he could finally solidify what has been a revolving door for the Commanders at left guard.

As for Schlereth, he knows what good guard play is supposed to look like. The Commanders enter Sunday’s game with two former drafted tackles — Charles and Sam Cosmi — now the team’s starting guards.

Logan Thomas, Saahdiq Charles out for Commanders in preseason opener vs. Browns

The Commanders will be without two players in the preseason opener.

The Washington Commanders open the preseason Friday evening against the Browns in Cleveland. Washington has remained primarily healthy throughout training camp but will be without two starters on offense.

Tight end Logan Thomas has missed the past week of practice with a calf injury. Thomas, who tore his ACL in Dec. 2021, played all but three games in 2022. The three games he missed were due to a calf injury. Washington head coach Ron Rivera said the injury isn’t severe, but there is no need to push Thomas right now.

Charles is entering his fourth NFL season and is competing to start at left guard. Charles is also battling a calf injury. Second-year OL Chris Paul has stepped in with the first team in Charles’ absence.

Thomas’ absence will give coaches an extended look at a couple of the young tight ends on the roster, Cole Turner and Curtis Hodges. Turner is a player everyone is high on, while Hodges has potential, but is battling for a roster spot.

Commanders release guard Andrew Norwell

This has been expected for a while.

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The Washington Commanders open training camp on Wednesday. Veterans report Tuesday, joining the rookies, who reported to Ashburn late last week. One player who will not be joining the Commanders is veteran guard Andrew Norwell.

Washington released Norwell Monday after one season with the team. Signed last offseason as a replacement for Ereck Flowers, Norwell started 16 games for the Commanders in 2022 at left guard. According to Pro Football Focus, Norwell had a 59.8 overall grade, the lowest of his nine-year NFL career.

Norwell wasn’t Washington’s only offensive lineman not to play well last season. As a group, the Commanders had one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. This offseason, Washington signed Andrew Wylie and Nick Gates to play right tackle and center, respectively.

Second-year guard Chris Paul is competing with Saahdiq Charles to replace Norwell at right guard. Former right tackle Sam Cosmi will move inside to right guard.

Norwell, 31, played the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers under current Washington head coach Ron Rivera.

6 Commanders players who need a strong showing in training camp

These players need a strong showing in training to either win starting positions or make the roster.

Training camp is here. For the Washington Commanders, rookies reported to camp on Friday, and the rest of the team will officially report on Tuesday. While most NFL teams enter camp knowing who most of their 53-man roster will be, every squad will have roster and position battles.

Someone comes out of nowhere every year to jump on the coaches’ radar. Whether in practice each day or in the preseason games, players who are thought to have no shot at making the roster make the roster.

Who will that be for Washington in 2023?

We have identified six players who need a strong showing this summer to earn a starting spot, hold on to a starting spot, or make the roster.

 

Athletic guards a key to Commanders improving screen game in 2023

Expect the screen game to be a prominent part of Washington’s offense in 2023.

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How often have you watched other NFL teams over the years and wondered why the Washington Commanders can’t consistently run successful screen plays?

Either Washington didn’t practice the screen, whether to the running backs, wide receivers, or tight ends, or it just wasn’t a focal point of the offense.

That will change under new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Bieniemy comes from Kansas City, where he coached under the legendary Andy Reid for 10 years. Washington fans know all too well how successful Reid has been for over two decades with the screen game.

During OTAs and minicamp, the Commanders practiced the screen game. And with running backs Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson and electric wide receivers Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson, it’s imperative that Washington do everything to get the ball in their hands, particularly in space.

Former Washington tight end and team analyst Logan Paulsen recently discussed what could make the Commanders’ screen game successful in 2023. It’s all about the revamped offensive line, specifically the guards.

“We got some really athletic guards,” Paulsen said. “We got [Sam] Cosmi, who is one of the most athletic offensive linemen the year he was drafted. He had a RAS score of like 9.5, which is crazy good. Saahdiq Charles, converted tackle, crazy athlete, in training camp, during OTAs,  you see these guys getting out in space.”

Cosmi is making the full-time transition to guard this season. The former second-round pick has primarily played right tackle for the first two years of his NFL career. Charles is entering his fourth NFL season and is in a battle with Chris Paul to start at left guard.

Paulsen also praised new right tackle Andrew Wylie’s athleticism, as well as left tackle Charles Leno and new center Nick Gates. Paulsen says Gates did some similar things in New York with the Giants.

“So I think if those guys remain the starters, and there is a long time left to go, their skill sets fit that really, really well,” Paulsen continued.

Some believe the Commanders haven’t done enough on the offensive line, despite signing Wylie and Gates in free agency and spending two additional picks on linemen. However, Washington received strong line play in 2020 and 2021, partly because of former Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Scherff. If Cosmi and Charles take the next step in their careers, the Commanders could be fun and creative on offense.

It’s all about health for Commanders OL Saahdiq Charles

Charles is competing to start at left guard.

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The Washington Commanders selected offensive tackle Saahdiq Charles in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft. That’s the same offseason that new head coach Ron Rivera traded disgruntled left tackle Trent Williams to the San Francisco 49ers.

No, Charles wasn’t drafted to be the next Trent Williams, but Washington was thrilled to land the former LSU left tackle in the fourth round. Charles was only 20 years old when Washington selected him. Charles played in 32 games in three seasons at LSU, making 28 starts. Of those 28 starts, 26 came at left tackle. He was the starting left tackle on LSU’s 2019 championship team.

After missing the first five games of his career due to injury, Charles debuted in Week 6 at left guard against the Giants. Charles dislocated his kneecap and was lost for the season.

Over the next two seasons, Charles would play in 23 games, with seven starts. Last season, he replaced a struggling Trai Turner at right guard for a few weeks.

While the Commanders have had a need at offensive tackle, they’ve mostly viewed Charles as a batter alternative at guard. And heading into the fourth and final year of his rookie contract, Charles has another chance to impress Washington by winning the starting left guard job.

Charles is competing with Chris Paul, a seventh-round selection in 2022.

Head coach Ron Rivera spoke last week about Charles and mentioned health as his biggest obstacle to remaining in the starting in lineup.

“Well, first and foremost, we always know Saahdiq had the skillset to do it,” Rivera said “He’s gotta stay healthy. That’s probably the biggest thing right now for him. I mean, that always seemed to be the issue. If you go back and look at the times he’s played, um, something has come up whether it’s been the calf, it’s been the ankle, the shoulder. You just hope that he stays healthy because he has the skillset. He’s got the physical makeup, and again, it’s just a matter of being able to stay healthy, I believe.”

The Commanders have been looking for an answer at left guard since releasing Ereck Flowers last spring in a salary-cap move.

If Charles can remain healthy, don’t be surprised if he’s the choice. Washington has always liked his potential.