The Washington Commanders' offensive line was among the team's biggest weaknesses in 2024. They gave up 50 sacks — seventh-most in the NFL. Adam Peters is making moves to ensure this doesn't become an issue next season.
One recent addition, in particular, turns up the heat on some underperforming veterans vying for prominent involvement.
Washington's sacks conceded during the previous campaign were an improvement from the second-worst 65 that the Commanders allowed in 2023. Nonetheless, it's still an area of concern. That's a major reason why Peters traded for stud left tackle Laremy Tunsil, and they weren't done there.
The Commanders also signed four-year veteran Foster Sarell, who appeared in 35 games for the Los Angeles Chargers between 2021 and 2024. This is largely a depth signing, but it increases competition and decreases the margin of error for others if nothing else.
Foster Sarell signing keeps urgency high in Commanders' offensive line room
Sarell will probably back up Tunsil as a replacement for Cornelius Lucas after he joined the Cleveland Browns. If he exceeds expectations, it could send a message to put up or shut up for some of the team's incumbents.
With starting right guard Sam Cosmi likely out for a large chunk if not all of the 2025 season after tearing his ACL in Washington's playoff win over the Detroit Lions, the Commanders have to do some shuffling between positions in the trenches.
Tunsil, left guard Nick Allegretti, center Tyler Biadasz, and right tackle Andrew Wylie seem set as starters. All hope is not lost with Brandon Coleman, but he might be the player most impacted by Washington's latest blockbuster trade.
If Sarell impresses enough in training camp, he could put the cat amongst the pigeons.
Wylie has played some right guard in his career, so moving him over while Sarell fills in at right tackle could be one possibility. If the Stanford product does enough to cement his spot in the lineup, the two-time Super Bowl winner could find himself in trouble.
He has been among the most maligned of Washington's offensive line group. Wylie was signed in 2023 during Ron Rivera's tenure, meaning the Commanders' current staff and front office have no incentive to be especially loyal to him.
Sarell was a highly touted five-star high school recruit, but injuries derailed his college years and he ultimately became an undrafted free agent. There's certainly potential for him to be a starting-caliber lineman in the NFL if he can mesh with Washington's coaching staff and find a consistent opportunity on the field.
Even if Sarell proves to only be a little-seen rotational piece, his signing should have a positive impact on the Commanders. The more depth a team brings in, the more it pushes those with set roles to perform their best, knowing that their ability to keep their jobs depends on it.
For Wylie, Allegretti, Coleman, and those looking to earn the short-term starting right guard spot, the presence of one more body in the offensive line room will allow iron to sharpen iron.
