3 Free Agent Offensive Tackle Targets Commanders Should Sign
There aren't many quarterbacks who can thrive behind a suspect offensive line as the Washington Commanders discovered or confirmed last season.
Of course, offensive tackles are considered to be the most important of the group in a vacuum and the Commanders had a duo of veterans manning those spots in 2023.
Charles Leno Jr. on the left and Andrew Wylie on the right aren't getting a lot of grace from those looking at the roster in Washington ahead of 2024 and both have been identified as cut targets who could potentially save the team north of $8 million in cap space.
But someone has to man the tackle spots, so here are some potential free agents the team could target this offseason.
Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Jonah Williams (73) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
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THE BEST OPTION: JONAH WILLIAMS, CINCINNATI BENGALS
Possessing the best combination of youth and experience Williams once asked for a trade before ultimately buckling down and getting to work as the Bengals' right tackle.
With left and right tackle experience Williams is likely looking for a return to the left and the money that comes with protecting most quarterback's blindsides.
Spotrac projects he'll demand $10.8 million annual average value and a four-year deal would take him to his 30-year-old season.
According to Sports Info Solutions Williams had a blown block percentage that ranked 42nd among 64 qualifying tackles, so he's far from a perfect or the only option for Washington to pursue.
THE ACCEPTABLE OPTION: TYRON SMITH, DALLAS COWBOYS
Any NFL team would love to secure key positions for years to come, but the truth is when you're trying to inflate a four-win team it may take some short-term additions to fill gaps until you find a more permanent solution.
Smith is not only incredibly talented but likely to come on a one or two-year deal given that he turns 34 in December.
Unlike Williams, Smith ranked top five in overall blown block percentages and blown pass block percentages.
He did rank 36th in blown run blocks, so there's some concern there, but in a passing league, his good numbers stand out more.
So if the Commanders go out looking for a bridge tackle, Smith could be the man to do it.
THE RISKY OPTION: MEKHI BECTON
Becton is younger than Williams but had some of the highest blown block percentages of all qualifying tackles in 2023.
His projected three-year deal worth $38.9 million is reminiscent of the one Charles Leno Jr. is currently on with Washington, but we could argue the veteran proved much more deserving of it at the time he signed his.
For this to happen offensive line coach Bobby Johnson is going to have to be uber-confident he can get out of Becton what the New York Jets haven't been able to thus far.
Some other options out there who made the list of top offensive tackle targets include Trent Brown (New England Patriots), Mike Onwenu (Patriots), Jermaine Eluemunor (Las Vegas Raiders), Donovan Smith (Kansas City Chiefs), George Fant (Houston Texans), and Cam Fleming (Denver Broncos).
