Sam Cosmi

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Washington Commanders have committed franchise left tackle money to a player who hasn't proven he deserves it, making Sam Cosmi's 4-year, $74M extension ($18.5M AAV) a significant overpay that earns an F CVI grade. Cosmi remains in the "unproven" performance tier despite three NFL seasons, yet his contract places him among the top-10 highest-paid guards in the league — a massive disconnect between production and compensation. At 25, he theoretically has room to grow into this deal, but paying elite money for potential rather than proven performance is a risky gamble for a franchise that can't afford many more personnel mistakes. The $26.6M in guaranteed money provides some protection for Washington, but the high annual value creates significant dead cap exposure if Cosmi fails to develop into the franchise-caliber guard this contract suggests he already is. This deal reflects the Commanders' desperation to lock up their offensive line rather than sound roster construction, as they've essentially bet $74M that an unproven player will suddenly become elite.

Performance Analysis

Sam Cosmi's F grade in Washington is one of the more confusing grades in the system, as Cosmi has been widely regarded as one of the better young offensive linemen in the NFL. The Commanders guard has been a cornerstone of Washington's offensive line, bringing athleticism and physicality to the interior. His F grade almost certainly reflects a data or methodology limitation rather than his actual on-field performance. Cosmi's ability to pull, climb to the second level, and anchor in pass protection has been impressive for a young lineman. Washington's offense has improved significantly in part because of Cosmi's development as an interior blocker. This grade doesn't match the tape in any meaningful way.