Are the Washington Commanders close to bringing back one of their key free agents? John Keim of ESPN reported Wednesday morning that Washington and offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas were “progressing towards a deal.”
Lucas was one of several free agents Washington wanted to retain. The 6-foot-8, 328-pound Lucas was Washington’s swing tackle the past two seasons. In his first season for the Commanders in 2020, Lucas played in 14 games, making eight starts at left tackle.
Lucas played well at left tackle, but the Commanders preferred him more in the swing tackle role and signed Charles Leno to play left tackle and drafted Sam Cosmi to play right tackle.
Washington and swing OT Cornelius Lucas are progressing towards a deal. Optimism. Could be done today…If/when it becomes finalized, a key piece to Washington's OL depth would return. Has been a solid backup for the Commanders.
— John Keim (@john_keim) March 23, 2022
Lucas would return to his reserve role in 2021, where he again was a factor. Lucas appeared in 15 games, making seven starts at right tackle in place of the injured Cosmi.
Retaining Lucas would be critical for Washington, which has already lost both starting guards in Brandon Scherff and Ereck Flowers. Washington signed Andrew Norwell to replace Flowers, and Wes Schweitzer will get the first chance at stepping in for Scherff.
