Commanders urged to 'roll the dice' with injury-plagued All-Pro player

The Washington Commanders revitalized their roster throughout Adam Peters' first offseason at the helm. However, one or two glaring complications are threatening to derail the team's grand plans for progression.

Finding a capable left tackle is arguably the biggest remaining question mark. The Commanders slotted Cornelius Lucas into the starting role throughout early workouts. They also integrated rookie third-rounder Brandon Coleman into the lineup to get a broader perspective of what he might bring to the table. Whether this duo can hold down the fort effectively in 2024 is another matter.

Peters has enough spare financial resources to make additional moves. The general manager is constantly examining what more is needed. He won't hesitate to pull the trigger on any incoming if he feels like it's the best thing for the franchise.

Commanders urged to take a chance on David Bakhtiari

If the Commanders acquire another edge protector, one name is coming up in rumors above all else. Anthony Palacios from Last Word on Sports became the latest to link David Bakhtiari with a switch to the nation's capital.

"The Commanders have low-end tackles at the position like journeyman Cornelius Lucas and rookie Trent Scott. Brandon Coleman and Sam Cosmi but only one of them played guard in 2023 and was one of the best. However, they could use someone like [David] Bakhtiari who has been able to play in every game. The Commanders could be hesitant to bring him in since he is a big risk for injury after knee issues have been slowing him down. Bakhtiari was one of the NFL’s dominant offensive tackles for the last decade. Since being with Green Bay all his tenure, he made All-Pro for five consecutive seasons from 2016 to 2020. However, 2021 was the downfall of his career where he was only appearing in one game. Bakhtiari should be worth the dice rolling since he’s probably the best available tackle in the market."

- Anthony Palacios, LWOS

There are major concerns on the health front. Bakhtiari hasn't played much football over the last two seasons, but an encouraging injury update hinted he'll be ready to go at some stage during the regular season.

If Bakhtiari is fit and firing on all cylinders, he's one of the league's most productive left tackles. His accomplishments are astounding. He's a vibrant personality and an outstanding leader within the locker room. This is a no-brainer if the Commanders could guarantee his health.

Therein lies the problem. They can't.

Bakhtiari doesn't have a definitive timeframe surrounding a return. When players begin suffering long-term complications consecutively, it's typically the start of an ongoing trend. Unless those in power are 100 percent convinced by his medical assessments, they'll look elsewhere.

Adding someone like Bakhtiari wouldn't be an indictment on Coleman by any stretch. He's seen as a project with a huge long-term, upside. Having such an accomplished presence to guide him on the right path to greatness is only going to help his early development.

It'll be interesting to see which direction the Commanders take. Peters could easily stick with what he has and hope the improved schematic concepts give rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels enough time to take the league by storm. But it's a big risk.

If another reinforcement is sought, the Commanders could do far worse than look in Bakhtiari's direction.