Cornelius Lucas III (born July 18, 1991) is an American professional football offensive tackle who currently plays in the National Football League (NFL). Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Lucas played college football at Kansas State University before signing with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Over his NFL career, Lucas has been a member of six teams, including the Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, and most recently the Cleveland Browns, with whom he signed in March 2025. Lucas has appeared in 129 career NFL games with 54 starts. At 6 feet 8 inches tall, his exceptional length and wingspan make him a formidable presence at the offensive tackle position.
Cornelius Lucas III Early Life and Background
Cornelius Lucas III was born on July 18, 1991, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended Edna Karr High School in his hometown, where his athletic abilities began to draw attention. His combination of size and mobility positioned him as a promising offensive line prospect heading into college.
Cornelius Lucas III Path to the NFL
Lucas played college football for the Kansas State Wildcats from 2009 to 2013. He appeared in 46 games with 39 starts during his collegiate career. As a sophomore, Lucas claimed the starting left tackle job and became a cornerstone of the Kansas State offensive line. His best season came in 2012 when he earned First-team All-Big 12 honors. He followed that with Second-team All-Big 12 recognition in 2013. Despite his productive college career, Lucas went undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft. Teams considered him a mid-round prospect entering the draft.
Cornelius Lucas III Career
Detroit Lions (2014–2016)
Lucas signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2014. Over three seasons with the Lions from 2014 to 2016, Lucas appeared in 35 games with 6 starts. He demonstrated versatility by playing both left and right tackle positions during his time in Detroit.
Los Angeles Rams (2017)
Lucas was signed by the Los Angeles Rams on September 12, 2017. He made his first and only start of the season in the Week 17 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Lucas re-signed with the Rams on April 16, 2018, but was released on August 31, 2018.
New Orleans Saints (2018)
On December 20, 2018, Lucas signed with the New Orleans Saints. He was released two days later. He was re-signed on December 27 but was released four days later.
Chicago Bears (2019)
On January 23, 2019, Lucas signed a reserve/future contract with the Chicago Bears. In Week 3 of the 2019 season, Lucas made his first start of the year at right tackle in place of an ailing Bobby Massie. The Bears won that game 31–15. During the season, Lucas also saw action on tackle-eligible plays as an extra blocker.
Washington Football Team / Commanders (2020–2024)
On March 27, 2020, Lucas signed with Washington. Lucas stepped in as the starting left tackle in Week 7 against the Dallas Cowboys when Geron Christian suffered an injury. Washington won that game. Lucas started the next two games before a leg injury forced him out in the second half of the Week 10 game against the Lions. He missed the next two games, returning in Week 13 and starting at left tackle for the rest of the season.
Lucas was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list on December 15, 2021. After missing the Week 15 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, he was placed back on the active roster on December 22. Lucas re-signed with Washington on March 24, 2022, on a two-year contract. He was placed on the active/non-football injury list at the start of training camp in 2022 and was activated on August 15. In Week 5 of the 2022 season, Lucas was named the starting right tackle in place of Sam Cosmi, who had thumb surgery. He continued to start even when Cosmi returned three weeks later. On March 19, 2024, Lucas re-signed with Washington on a one-year, $4 million contract.
Cleveland Browns (2025)
On March 12, 2025, Lucas signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Cleveland Browns. This move marked the latest chapter in his journeyman NFL career.
Cornelius Lucas III Driving Style and Strengths
Throughout his career, Lucas has established himself as a reliable swing tackle capable of playing both left and right tackle positions. His 6-foot-8 frame provides excellent length for the position. Teams have valued him for his ability to step in as an extra blocker on short-yardage situations and tackle-eligible plays.
Cornelius Lucas III Career Wins
Over his NFL career spanning from 2014 to 2025, Lucas has appeared in 129 games with 54 starts across six teams. He has been a durable and dependable presence on offensive lines throughout his journeyman career.
Career Highlights
Lucas most notable contributions came during his five seasons with Washington from 2020 to 2024. His performance in relief of injured starters, including his starts at left tackle during Washington’s 2020 season, demonstrated his reliability. His 129 career games played and 54 career starts reflect his longevity and consistency in the NFL.
Cornelius Lucas III Family
Family Background
Lucas was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended Edna Karr High School in New Orleans before advancing to college football at Kansas State University.
Personal Life
Lucas continues to maintain his connection to his New Orleans roots. As of 2025, Lucas is entering his 12th season in the NFL, marking a significant milestone in his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
Lucas joined the Cleveland Browns in March 2025 on a two-year contract worth $10 million. This move represented the latest chapter in his extensive NFL journey that began in 2014. As he prepares for the 2025 season, Lucas brings over a decade of professional experience to the Browns offensive line. His ability to play multiple tackle positions provides valuable depth and flexibility for the team. The Browns will look to leverage his veteran presence and versatility as they compete in the 2025 season. Lucas has consistently demonstrated his ability to step in and perform when called upon throughout his career, and the Browns will count on that reliability as they build their offensive line rotation for the season ahead.