3 veteran free-agent offensive tackles the Commanders should consider in 2023

Commanders should consider Brandon Shell

Brandon Shell is a right tackle, and he’s a pretty decent one. He has never been a standout, but he has played 75 games over the past six years – for the New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, and Miami Dolphins – almost always as a starter.

That number poses a bit of a problem. Shell has never had a serious injury, but he has been plagued by nagging things throughout his career.

Though the former fifth-round pick out of South Carolina has started at least ten games in each of his last six seasons, he has typically missed three-to-four games per year. This might be a reason why other teams have looked the other way throughout free agency so far.

As with Cameron Fleming, Shell would only make sense if one of the top three tackles for the Washington Commanders goes down. He could probably step right into Andrew Wylie’s spot if need be. He would be less effective as a straight-up replacement for Cornelius Lucas because of his limited experience playing on the left side.

Next up, we’ll look at some younger guys who have only played on the margins of the NFL so far, but who might become available when other teams begin making cuts.