Cornelius

Lucas

Lucas is the Commanders’ highest-graded pass blocker, boasting an 85.6 PFF pass-blocking grade. Jayden Daniels’ pass protection would take a big hit if Lucas were to miss time.

Lucas provides tackle depth for Washington. He acquitted himself well as a starter for part of the 2021 season after Washington lost starting LT Sam Cosmi to injury. Asked about offers in free agency, Lucas said other teams were “fakin’ and booty shakin’. Washington was the only one who came through.” The Commanders had 2021’s fourth best pass-blocking offensive line, per Pro Football Focus.

Washington will start Morgan Moses at left tackle and slide David Sharpe to right tackle to make up for Lucas’ absence. Troy Apke will also make his second consecutive start at free safety for Everett.

A consummate swing tackle, Lucas made eight starts for the Bears in 2019. Perhaps the Redskins are viewing him as a starting option along their post Trent Williams-line, though the money certainly suggests backup.

That tender is worth $1.797 million. Lucas logged just 41 regular season snaps in 2016, though he did start Detroit’s playoff loss to Seattle. He’ll return as a backup tackle for starters Taylor Decker and newly-signed Rick Wagner.

It’s the value of the low tender Lucas was extended as a restricted free agent. Lucas is the favorite to open the season as the Lions’ swing tackle.

The Lions are looking to replace Taylor Decker (shoulder). They added tackle depth by signing Tony Hills, and Corey Robinson will also be an option when he returns from foot surgery. It’s going to be difficult to replace Decker, who graded out as PFF’s No. 21 tackle as a rookie last year.

Lucas was briefly in the running to be the Lions’ fill-in left tackle this summer before getting waived. A 2014 UDFA, he’s made 35 career appearances, including six starts.

Lucas struggled in two starts at right tackle last season after playing exclusively on the left side at Kansas State. “Just playing left my whole life, when I went over to the right last year I just wasn’t comfortable at all and you could see it on film,” Lucas said. “I just wasn’t comfortable in my stance.” With LaAdrian Waddle sidelined by a late-season ACL tear, Lucas has gotten significant reps on the right side and could start in Week 1.

“We think he has a chance to be like a LaAdrian Waddle sort of guy,” Mayhew said. “We’re excited about this kid. He’s definitely got a chance to make our team. We’re going to try him at left and right tackle.” An All-Big 12 honorable mention as a senior, Lucas has starting-caliber tools and good athleticism for a 6-foot-8, 320 pound tackle. He didn’t participate at the Combine due to a foot injury, but is expected to be ready for training camp.