Commanders quell concerns about offensive line with Trai Turner signing

Coming into the draft, the Washington Commanders were expected to use a mid-round selection on an offensive linemen. After losing Brandon Scherff and Ereck Flowers, who was made a cap casualty, this offseason, it seemed inevitable.

When the dust settled, though, Washington waited until the seventh round to address their offensive line, taking Tulsa product Chris Paul. With a 9.46 relative athletic score and experience at both guard and tackle positions, the former Golden Hurricane could be a part of the rotation as a rookie.

While great value and a steal based on his versatility, the Commanders couldn’t justify Paul being their lone OL addition before camp.

Fully ware of their lack of depth, Washington signed vet Trai Turner to a one-year contract worth $3 million on Monday, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Commanders signed veteran OG Trai Turner to a one-year deal.

Much like the Commanders other two outside free agent signings — Andrew Norwell and Efe Obada — Turner has previous ties to Ron Rivera, having played for Washington’s head coach for six seasons from 2014 to 2019.

The former third-round pick went to five consecutive Pro Bowls with the Panthers before he was traded to the Chargers in 2020. Injuries limited Turner to nine games that year, but he rebounded in Pittsburgh last season on a similar deal.

Turner started all 17 games for the Steelers, including a 92% snaps share, while earning a 69.4 player grade from Pro Football Focus. Over 1,082 snaps, he allowed 20 pressures, seven sacks and committed six penalties.

We wouldn’t reach too much into the sack tally, as Ben Roethlisberger took a multitude of lame takedowns due to his lack of mobility. At the end of the day, we’re talking about an experienced lineman with a Pro Bowl notoriety.

Of course, that doesn’t mean Turner will waltz into a starting job under his former head coach. With Norwell likely locked into a starting role, the 28-year-old turner could be headed for a competition with Wes Schweitzer for the RG spot.

Assuming Schweitzer, who’s started 18 games over the last two seasons for Washington, has the inside track, Turner will have his work cut out for him. In 11 games last year, Schweitzer posted a 85.6 run-blocking grade and a 78.7 player grade while allowing 11 pressures and one sack over 401 offensive snaps.

That competition could be incredibly fun to watch unfold, but the important thing is Turner’s arrival will quell a lot of concerns about the Commanders’ line.

With Charles Leno, Norwell, Trai Turner, Chase Roullier, Schweitzer, Sam Cosmi, Cornelius Lucas, Saahdiq Charles, Tyler Larsen and Paul making up the starting five and top backup spots, Washington suddenly has an abundance of riches along their offensive line.

That couldn’t be said just a couple days ago.