Cornelius Lucas is back in Washington. The swing tackle re-signed with the Washington Commanders with a two-year, $8.2 million deal on Thursday.
His return is a huge grab as he is one of the better swing tackles in the league. He can play both left and right tackle as exemplified in the last two seasons in Washington.
Lucas made 15 starts between the two seasons. Last season he filled in mostly for second-round draft pick Sam Cosmi who missed eight games while dealing with ankle and hip injuries.
The Commanders were intent on bringing back Lucas. But he tested the free agent market. However, according to him there wasn’t much of a market. Lucas joked with the Washington media and provided an epic quote about the interest level of other teams that is sure to make fans laugh.
“I picked up a good amount of traction, more than I have in the past,” Lucas said per John Keim of ESPN. “But everyone was faking and booty-shaking and Washington was the only one that came through.”
The line of “faking and booty-shaking” sure sounds like Lucas has been in the DC area long enough. It’s a hilarious spin on describing there wasn’t much of a market. At least to the point that would pry him away from his situation in Washington.
As for the compensation from Washington? It is a considerable bump for his pockets. The two-year, $8.2 million is the largest contract of his career. Lucas dropped another funny liner about the money he is set to make.
“We all want to retire and live on a beach and drive fast cars and have all that money and all that kind of stuff,” Lucas pondered per The Athletic’s Ben Standig. “Today I feel like Washington put me in a trajectory (to get) all that stuff.”
Not only is he a solid swing and capable starting tackle, Lucas may be the class clown of the Commanders. Good thing his play on the field leaves nothing to joke about.
Last season Cornelius Lucas played a limited 587 snaps. He allowed three sacks and committed one penalty. Pro Football Focus graded him as the 12th-best offensive tackle in the NFL, and tops among his Commanders teammates.