Cornelius Lucas III Bio
Cornelius Lucas III is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kansas State Wildcats and signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 327 pounds, Lucas has carved out a long career as a versatile swing tackle who can line up on either side of the offensive line.
Over the course of more than a decade in the league, Lucas has appeared in 129 regular-season games and made 54 starts while representing five different franchises. He has earned recognition for his steady play, durability, and willingness to fill in wherever a team needs help along the offensive front.
Early Life and Background
Cornelius Lucas III was born on July 18, 1991, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Growing up in one of the most football-rich cities in the country, he was surrounded by the sport from an early age and developed his size and athleticism on local fields. His New Orleans roots helped shape the work ethic and toughness that would later define his professional career.
Lucas attended Edna Karr High School in New Orleans, where he played offensive tackle and began attracting the attention of college recruiters. His combination of length, footwork, and physicality made him a sought-after prospect, and he ultimately committed to Kansas State University to continue his football career at the collegiate level.
Path to Professional Football
Lucas spent his college years with the Kansas State Wildcats, lining up primarily at left tackle for the program. He developed steadily under the Wildcats coaching staff and emerged as one of the most reliable linemen in the Big 12 Conference during his final seasons in Manhattan, Kansas.
In 2012, his strong play was rewarded when he was named First-team All-Big 12, an honor he followed in 2013 with Second-team All-Big 12 recognition. Although Lucas was not selected in the 2014 NFL Draft, his college production and physical tools convinced the Detroit Lions to sign him as an undrafted free agent, giving him the opportunity to begin his professional journey.
Cornelius Lucas III Career
Early Career (2014–2016)
Lucas signed with the Detroit Lions on May 12, 2014, and immediately began working to earn a role on the offensive line. He appeared in 35 games for Detroit over three seasons, including six starts, showing the kind of reliability that teams look for in reserve linemen. His ability to play both tackle spots made him a valuable piece of the Lions’ roster during his developmental years.
As an exclusive-rights free agent, Lucas was tendered by the Lions in March 2017, but was ultimately waived on September 3, 2017. Despite the short stay, his time in Detroit gave him the experience he needed to take the next step in his career.
Los Angeles Rams (2017–2018)
On September 12, 2017, Lucas was signed by the Los Angeles Rams to bolster their offensive line depth. That season, he appeared in a reserve role and made his lone start of the year in the Week 17 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, lining up at right tackle. The opportunity showcased his readiness when called upon.
Lucas re-signed with the Rams in April 2018, but was released on August 31, 2018, as the team trimmed its roster ahead of the regular season. Although his second stint in Los Angeles was brief, it reinforced his reputation as a dependable backup tackle in the league.
New Orleans Saints (2018)
Lucas returned to his hometown area when he was signed by the New Orleans Saints on December 20, 2018. He was released two days later, re-signed on December 27, and then released again four days afterward. The quick turnover did not leave room for game action, but the stint kept him active in the league heading into the next offseason.
Chicago Bears (2019)
On January 23, 2019, Lucas signed a reserve/future contract with the Chicago Bears, giving him a full offseason to compete for a roster spot. During the 2019 season, he was called into action in Week 3, starting at right tackle in place of an ailing Bobby Massie. The Bears went on to win that game 31–15, and Lucas also contributed on tackle-eligible plays as an extra blocker throughout the year.
Washington Football Team / Commanders (2020–2024)
Lucas signed with the Washington Football Team on March 27, 2020, beginning the longest and most productive stretch of his career. He started at left tackle in place of an injured Geron Christian during a Week 7 win against the Dallas Cowboys and held the role for the remainder of the season. That stability helped him establish himself as a trusted veteran presence in Washington.
In December 2021, Lucas was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list and missed the Week 15 game against the Philadelphia Eagles before returning to the active roster on December 22. He re-signed with Washington on a two-year contract in March 2022, and during the 2022 season he took over as the starting right tackle in place of Sam Cosmi, who was recovering from thumb surgery, and continued to start even after Cosmi returned to action.
Lucas remained a fixture in Washington through 2024, when he re-signed with the Commanders on a one-year, $4 million contract on March 19, 2024. Over five seasons with the franchise, he proved to be a versatile and durable contributor on the offensive line.
Cleveland Browns (2025)
On March 12, 2025, Lucas signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Cleveland Browns, joining his sixth NFL team. The deal reflected his continued value as a swing tackle with starting experience on both sides of the line. He stepped into a Browns offensive line room looking for veteran leadership and experienced depth.
On March 3, 2026, Lucas was released by the Browns, closing that chapter of his career. His time in Cleveland added to a journey that has taken him across both conferences and into every kind of offensive line role imaginable.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although he is an offensive lineman rather than a driver, Lucas is known among position coaches for his long frame, light feet, and ability to mirror edge rushers in pass protection. He is praised for his football intelligence, communication along the line, and willingness to play either tackle spot. His experience in both zone and gap schemes has made him a flexible piece for offensive line coaches.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Lucas’s career came in 2020, when he stepped into a starting role for Washington and helped protect the quarterback during a competitive NFC East race. He has also posted career totals of 129 games played and 54 starts through the 2024 season, milestones that reflect his longevity in a league that often churns through backup linemen.
Cornelius Lucas III Career Highlights
Cornelius Lucas III’s professional resume includes stops with the Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, Washington Football Team / Commanders, and Cleveland Browns. While he has not made Pro Bowl rosters, his 129 career games and 54 starts stand as the most visible evidence of his staying power in the NFL.
College and Conference Recognition
At Kansas State, Lucas was a two-time All-Big 12 selection, earning First-team honors in 2012 and Second-team recognition in 2013. He lined up primarily at left tackle and was a steady presence for the Wildcats offensive line during those seasons. Those awards helped lay the foundation for his transition to the professional level.
Starting Opportunities in the NFL
Lucas has produced key starts for Detroit, Chicago, and Washington, filling in capably when injuries forced lineup changes. His Week 3 start for the Bears in 2019 and his late-season run at left tackle for Washington in 2020 are among the most notable in-game opportunities of his career. Each of those moments reinforced his identity as a reliable emergency starter.
Cornelius Lucas III Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Cornelius Lucas III’s immediate family is limited, and detailed background about his parents and siblings has not been widely published. He grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, where football is a generational tradition, and his roots in that football culture helped shape his path to the sport.
Personal Life
Lucas has kept much of his personal life out of the public eye, and verified information about a spouse or children is not currently available. His professional journey, from Edna Karr High School through Kansas State and across the NFL, has been the primary focus of his public profile.
2025 Season Performance
Cornelius Lucas III entered the 2025 season with the Cleveland Browns after signing a two-year, $10 million contract in March 2025. The deal positioned him as a veteran presence in a Browns offensive line room that was looking for stability and depth. He was expected to compete for a swing tackle role while providing experienced insurance on either side of the formation.
Throughout the year, Lucas continued to add to his career resume, extending his streak of regular-season appearances and reinforcing his reputation as a reliable backup capable of stepping in at a high level. His familiarity with multiple offensive schemes made him a useful piece for the coaching staff as they sorted out rotations along the line.
Although his tenure in Cleveland was ultimately cut short when he was released on March 3, 2026, Lucas’s 2025 campaign added another chapter to one of the more enduring undrafted careers in recent NFL memory. His longevity, versatility, and professionalism remain the defining traits of his time in the league.
