General manager Adam Peters decided to prioritize the protection in front of quarterback Jayden Daniels during the 2025 offseason. These investments paid off, with the Washington Commanders' offensive line emerging as a real bright spot amid the misery, but it did mean fans had to say goodbye to one of their favorites along the way.
And after one season away from Washington, Cornelius Lucas could be watching his career come to a close.
Lucas was a quality swing tackle option throughout his five-year stint in Washington. He was consistent and dependable, performing well under difficult circumstances. Unfortunately for the player, Peters was unwilling to match the Cleveland Browns' offer.
The edge protector got a two-year, $6.5 million contract with a $2 million signing bonus and $3.25 million guaranteed. Washington moved forward with Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr. as their starting tandem. Andrew Wylie, Trent Scott, and George Fant were tasked with backing them up.
Cornelius Lucas faces an uncertain future just one year after Commanders exit
The upturn in consistency was notable, even if the Commanders managed just five wins. As for Lucas? He failed to hit the ground running in a different environment, leaving Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus to declare the Kansas State product as Cleveland's worst signing of the 2025 offseason.
"The Browns’ offensive line tied for 30th in PFF pass-blocking grade, with players like [Cornelius] Lucas unable to help right the ship. The former Commander struggled when filling in for injured starters on both sides, posting a 42.7 overall PFF grade and surrendering 29 pressures on 193 pass-blocking snaps."Bradley Locker
This lack of productivity is a far cry from how Lucas acquitted himself in Washington. Perhaps the proverbial performance cliff has arrived at 34 years old, but the Browns have a relatively easy out on his deal if they choose to end this experiment early.
Much will depend on what new head coach Todd Monken thinks. Cleveland can save $1.83 million on its cap by releasing Lucas, who has one year remaining on his deal. Considering the Browns need every available cent, with quarterback Deshaun Watson's cap number surging to $80.71 million, every little move matters in easing their financial burden.
Lucas will be 35 years old this summer. If the Browns part ways, the popular veteran might be waiting a long time for the phone to ring, and one couldn't dismiss the possibility of retirement either.
The Commanders may offer him a lifeline with so many backup offensive linemen set to enter free agency. But it's starting to look like this could be the end of the road for Lucas as an NFL pro.