Cornelius Lucas is returning to the Washington Commanders, one of a handful of carryovers coming back as the team remakes the offensive line and the roster as a whole.
The Commanders on Tuesday re-signed Lucas to a contract for next season that’s worth up to $4 million, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced.
Lucas, who turns 33 before training camp opens in July, is expected to compete for the vacant left tackle position after the release of former starter Charles Leno earlier this month. Lucas started 31 games and appeared in 62 as the swing tackle for Washington since signing with the team in 2020, after previously playing for Detroit, the Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans and Chicago.
He’s the fourth player brought back from the previous regime, joining safety and 2022 All-Pro special teams player Jeremy Reaves, punt returner Jamison Crowder and defensive end Efe Obada. New general manager Adam Peters has also brought in roughly 20 new players as part of a total roster overhaul.
The Commanders are expected to select at least one left tackle prospect in the upcoming NFL draft as Peters pieces things together for new coach Dan Quinn. They could target a quarterback at No. 2 but also have pick Nos. 36 and 40 in the second round and Nos. 67, 78 and 100 in the third.
Mariota, 30, agreed to a one-year with a base value of $6 million, which is worth up to $10 million, one person with knowledge of the terms said. His presence gives Washington a veteran who can help mentor a young quarterback and potentially step in and start if needed.
Washington explored the veteran quarterback market and had interest in Sam Darnold before he agreed to a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings, a person with knowledge of the team’s thinking said. After discussions with others, Washington landed on Mariota.
Mariota, the No. 2 pick in the 2015 draft, has been a journeyman since leaving the Tennessee Titans. He spent two years with the Las Vegas Raiders behind Derek Carr, one year with the Atlanta Falcons (mostly ahead of Desmond Ridder) and last year behind Jalen Hurts with the Philadelphia Eagles. In Washington, Mariota reunites with former Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, who is now the Commanders’ assistant head coach and offensive pass game coordinator.
Ekeler signed a two-year deal worth up to $11.43 million, two people with knowledge of the terms said, giving the team a dual-threat running back after it let Antonio Gibson leave for the New England Patriots.
Ekeler, 28, reunites with Commanders running backs coach Anthony Lynn, who was the Los Angeles Chargers’ coach when he made the roster as an undrafted rookie in 2017. Ekeler’s elusiveness out of the backfield and his pass-catching ability should help an offense that last season often appeared one-dimensional.
Washington re-signed the depth slot receiver to a one-year contract, a person with knowledge of the deal said. Crowder, 30, will be a candidate to return punts.
Washington drafted Crowder in 2015, and he returned to the team last season after leaving as a free agent in 2019.
