The Washington Commanders risk overpaying for a free agent left tackle, potentially straining their salary cap flexibility.

As the NFL enters another offseason, teams are scrambling to make decisions that will shape the future of their franchises. For the Washington Commanders, one of the most pressing concerns heading into free agency is their offensive line, specifically the left tackle position. The team is poised to be active in the free-agent market, but there is growing concern that they might overpay for a left tackle, potentially straining their salary cap flexibility in the long term.

Offensive line play has been an area of concern for the Commanders in recent years, and left tackle is one of the most important positions in protecting the quarterback. With the Commanders still in the process of rebuilding their roster and finding stability at quarterback, the decision to invest heavily in a free-agent left tackle will be one of the most critical moves of the offseason.

In this article, we will explore the current situation facing the Washington Commanders, the risks of overpaying for a free agent left tackle, and the potential impact this decision could have on their salary cap and long-term roster construction.

The Left Tackle Position: A Critical Need for the Commanders

The left tackle position is one of the most crucial on the football field, particularly for a team like the Washington Commanders. In today’s NFL, where elite pass rushers are becoming more and more prevalent, having a reliable left tackle is vital to keeping the quarterback upright and ensuring the offense can function efficiently. The left tackle is often responsible for protecting the quarterback’s blindside, making it one of the highest-priority positions on the roster.

In recent seasons, the Commanders have struggled with consistency at the left tackle position. After trading for veteran tackle Charles Leno Jr. in 2021, Leno has provided some stability but has not been the long-term solution that the team has hoped for. While Leno is a solid starter, he is not viewed as an elite left tackle, and he has faced challenges against some of the league’s top pass rushers. The team has been searching for a true franchise left tackle, someone who can anchor the offensive line for years to come.

As the Commanders look to build around young quarterback Sam Howell (or another quarterback if they decide to make a change), protecting the quarterback will be a top priority. The team will likely target a left tackle in free agency who can provide immediate help. However, with the market for offensive linemen being as competitive as it is, there is a significant risk that Washington may overpay for a free agent left tackle who does not meet their long-term needs.

Free-Agent Left Tackles: A Competitive Market

The 2025 free-agent class for offensive linemen includes several high-profile left tackles, many of whom will likely command premium contracts. These players will be in high demand, and their potential contracts will reflect the current market dynamics. Teams like the Commanders, who have a need at the position, will find themselves in direct competition with other franchises that are also searching for a solution at left tackle.

Among the top free-agent left tackles in 2025 are players such as Orlando Brown Jr., Taylor Lewan, and Mike McGlinchey. All of these players have proven themselves as starters in the NFL, and their experience makes them attractive to teams looking to upgrade their offensive lines. However, there are risks associated with investing heavily in any of these players.

Orlando Brown Jr., for example, is one of the most high-profile names in free agency. The Kansas City Chiefs acquired Brown in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens, and he played a key role in protecting Patrick Mahomes’ blindside on their way to a Super Bowl victory. Brown’s combination of size, strength, and experience has made him one of the top left tackles in the league, and he is likely to command a massive contract. While Brown would immediately upgrade the Commanders’ offensive line, there are concerns about his consistency. Some analysts argue that Brown has had issues with his technique, and his performance could vary from season to season.

Taylor Lewan, formerly of the Tennessee Titans, is another potential target. Lewan, when healthy, has been a dominant force at left tackle. However, his injury history is a major concern. Lewan has missed significant time due to knee and ACL injuries in recent seasons, and while he is a proven talent when on the field, the Commanders would need to weigh the risk of paying a premium for a player with such an injury history. Additionally, Lewan is approaching the later stages of his career, which raises questions about his long-term viability.

Mike McGlinchey, on the other hand, is known for his exceptional run-blocking ability and his consistency as a pass protector. While McGlinchey may not be the top-tier pass protector that some teams are looking for, his versatility and reliability make him an attractive option. The downside is that McGlinchey may not offer the same ceiling as some of the other top free-agent tackles, and the Commanders may find themselves paying a premium for a player who is solid but not necessarily a game-changer.

All of these players will likely command significant contracts, and the Commanders need to be cautious not to overpay for a left tackle who may not be able to elevate the offense to the level they desire. Overpaying for a free agent could restrict the team’s ability to address other areas of need and build a well-rounded roster.

The Risks of Overpaying for a Left Tackle

The main risk the Commanders face in free agency is overpaying for a left tackle. While the need for a reliable left tackle is undeniable, committing a large portion of the team’s salary cap to a single player could hinder their flexibility in other areas. NFL teams are limited by the salary cap, and every dollar spent on one position is a dollar that cannot be allocated to another area of need.

For the Commanders, overpaying for a free-agent left tackle could lead to a number of negative consequences:

1. Salary Cap Strain: The NFL operates under a hard salary cap, which means that teams are limited in how much they can spend on player contracts. If the Commanders commit a significant portion of their cap space to a high-priced left tackle, it could prevent them from signing other key players or making necessary upgrades to other positions. The team has several other areas of need, including the defensive line, wide receiver, and cornerback. If the Commanders prioritize a left tackle at the expense of other positions, they could weaken their overall roster.
2. Limited Long-Term Flexibility: Overpaying for a free agent could lock the team into a long-term contract with a player who does not meet expectations. If the left tackle does not perform at a high level or suffers injuries, the Commanders could find themselves stuck with a contract that hampers their ability to make future moves. This could have long-lasting effects on the team’s roster construction and limit their ability to build a competitive team in the years to come.
3. Missed Opportunities to Develop Younger Talent: Overpaying for a veteran left tackle could also prevent the Commanders from investing in younger players who could provide long-term solutions at the position. The team has an opportunity to develop younger talent, either through the draft or by developing players already on the roster. By focusing too heavily on acquiring a high-priced free agent, the Commanders may miss the chance to nurture younger players who could be cost-effective and perform at a high level in the future.
4. Potential for Regret: As with any large investment in free agency, there is always the potential for buyer’s remorse. If the Commanders pay a premium for a left tackle and the player does not live up to expectations, the team could regret their decision. Free-agent signings are always a bit of a gamble, and the risk of a high-priced flop is ever-present in the NFL.

Strategies for the Commanders: Balancing Need and Value

To avoid the pitfalls of overpaying for a free-agent left tackle, the Commanders must take a balanced approach to their roster-building strategy. While addressing the left tackle position is a priority, they should also be mindful of the need to maintain flexibility and long-term sustainability. Here are a few strategies they could consider:

1. Target Value Options: Instead of committing to the highest-profile free-agent left tackle, the Commanders could explore value options—players who may not be at the top of the market but still offer quality play at a more reasonable price. There are often underrated offensive linemen in free agency who can provide solid play without commanding top-tier money.
2. Consider the Draft: While free agency will likely be the Commanders’ primary avenue for acquiring a left tackle, they should not rule out the possibility of drafting a young, high-potential player at the position. The 2025 NFL Draft class includes several talented offensive linemen, and the Commanders could look to draft a left tackle with long-term potential, especially if they feel they can address immediate needs through free agency.
3. Cap Management: If the Commanders do decide to pursue a high-priced left tackle, they must manage their cap space carefully. They can accomplish this by structuring the contract in a way that minimizes immediate cap hits, such as by including signing bonuses or incentives. This would allow them to allocate more funds to other key positions while still bringing in a top talent.
4. Ensure Depth: Even if the Commanders secure a starting left tackle through free agency, they must also invest in offensive line depth. Injuries are inevitable in the NFL, and having solid backups at key positions, including left tackle, will be essential for maintaining stability throughout the season.