Commanders newest signing raises major alarm bells over crucial unit

Adam Peters is still churning over the Washington Commanders roster in pursuit of finding the right formula. His latest signing raised alarm bells around a pivotal position group's dynamic heading into the 2025 campaign.

After another subpar preseason performance in defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football, the general manager took decisive action. The team confirmed that veteran offensive tackle George Fant joined the fold on a one-year deal, which came following a successful workout a few days prior.

Fant is a solid pro who emerged from undrafted obscurity to carve out a successful career for himself. He's got 75 starts under his belt over eight years, although the edge protector only featured twice for the Seattle Seahawks in 2024 after bouncing on and off injured reserve.

Commanders covered their bases with offensive line injury concerns at the forefront

The former Western Kentucky standout has experience playing either tackle position, which no doubt endeared him to the Commanders. However, this also raised concerns about others already around.

Sam Cosmi is still working his way back from a torn ACL. Dan Quinn hasn't ruled the stud right guard from taking the field in Week 1, but starting the campaign on the physically unable to perform list is much more likely. Then, there's also the mystery surrounding projected starting left guard Brandon Coleman to factor into the equation.

Coleman got carted off the field early at training camp and hasn't been seen on the field since. The Commanders haven't given a definitive timeline on his recovery, but the addition of Fant instantly plunges his Week 1 status into doubt.

The Commanders have Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conery Jr. as their bookend tackle tandem. If Coleman cannot go, that would leave Nick Allegretti at left guard and Andrew Wylie shifting inside onto the right. In this scenario, Fant would become Washington's swing tackle option capable of slotting in if needed.

It's not ideal, especially for Coleman. But it does provide the protection in front of star quarterback Jayden Daniels with some extra security if more adjustments are needed.

If the Commanders want to go deep into the playoffs once again, they need their revamped protection to fire on all cylinders as a cohesive unit. Chopping and changing the lineup can have a detrimental impact. The onus is on offensive line coach Bobby Johnson to get everyone singing from the same hymn sheet, regardless of who's tasked with starting reps.

Fant is a dependable understudy, certainly better than the likes of Tyre Phillips and Foster Sarrell. But if the Commanders need anything more than that from the veteran, they might have a problem.

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