Commanders add more offensive line depth in flurry of roster moves

The Washington Commanders offensive line will look a lot different in 2022 relative to last campaign. Assuming health, the team will have two new starters at guard, with Andrew Norwell replacing the released Erek Flowers at left guard and Trai Turner replacing former stalwart Brandon Scherff at right guard.

Given all the injuries the line sustained in 2021, Washington’s depth proved to be imperative. When all was said and done, the Commanders had eight (!) offensive lineman log at least 185 snaps, with six cracking the 380-snap threshold.

Of course, you can never have too much OL depth in today’s NFL, and the Commanders aren’t finished adding talent with training camp in full-swing.

On Friday, the team announced the signings of tackles Rashod Hill and Alex Akingbulu. Additionally, Washington released interior lineman Beau Benzschawl and placed legend Ryan Kerrigan on the Reserve/Retired List.

The Commanders continue to beef up their offensive line rotation.

The main takeaway here — other than the Kerrigan news, obviously — is the addition of Hill, who spent six seasons with the Vikings and now gets a chance to make the Commanders’ 53-man roster over the course of camp.

Don’t gloss over the fact Hill lasted six seasons in Minnesota. That’s an impressive feat for a former undrafted free agent (Jaguars in 2016). With the Vikings finally set at both tackle positions after Brian O’Neill signed a massive extension and the selection of Christian Darrisaw, it was time for both sides to move on.

With the ability to play both tackle positions, Hill joins Cornelius Lucas — and Saahdiq Charles, albeit to a lesser extent — as the other swing tackles on Washington’s roster. It’s genuinely shocking Hill lasted this long without getting signed, so credit to Ron Rivera and the front office for scooping him up early into camp.

It’s anyone’s guess as to whether Hill makes the Commanders’ roster, but it doesn’t hurt to add more competition during training camp and the Southern Miss product joins a loaded tackle room that includes Charles Leno, Sam Cosmi, Lucas, Charles, Willie Beavers and Aaron Monteiro.