4 grossly underpaid Washington Commanders players in 2024
By Dean Jones
Sam Cosmi - Commanders OL
- 2024 salary-cap hit: $3.66 million
It's no secret that the Washington Commanders offensive line failed to meet even modest expectations last season. Sam Howell was the league's most-sacked quarterback as his protection capitulated constantly. Unless something drastically changes, it's hard to envisage a scenario where Jayden Daniels thrives despite his exceptional pocket mobility and explosiveness.
The Commanders have made moves to improve matters. But amid all the disappointment and poor production in 2023, there was one shining light in the chaos that the new regime can count on.
Sam Cosmi made a transition from the edge to the right guard position last year. Many wondered if this would benefit the player given his previous experience primarily centered on the right tackle spot. However, it didn't take long to realize this was a shrewd decision by Ron Rivera and his staff.
Cosmi was nothing short of flawless, providing assured pass protection from the interior and learning how to be more impactful on running downs. The former second-round pick out of Texas played 1,103 snaps on offense, giving up just one sack and conceding four penalties. Couple this with his run-blocking prowess, his 80.6 grade from Pro Football Focus was well deserved.
The lineman's alleviated any doubts about his potential moving forward. Cosmi enters the final year of his deal as a potential franchise cornerstone piece. He's counting $3.66 million against the salary cap, so one could make a strong case for the player being grossly underpaid looking at his performance levels last season.
If Cosmi manages to maintain or perhaps even enhance his consistency in 2024, it'll cement his status as an integral part of the team's long-term plans. It will also almost guarantee a lucrative financial commitment from the Commanders to keep the player around for his prime years.
Cosmi has a chance to propel himself into one of the league's best at the position next season. Hopefully, he can use the money aspect as an extra source of motivation needed to excel further.