The Washington Commanders added a veteran offensive tackle to the offseason roster on Tuesday, signing Bobby Hart to a reserve/future contract.
Hart, 30, was initially signed to Washington’s practice squad on Oct. 29 but did not appear in a game for the Commanders in 2024.
A former seventh-round draft pick from Florida State in 2015, Hart is a well-traveled and experienced veteran. He’s appeared in 98 career games with 67 starts. Hart was Cincinnati’s right tackle from 2016-18, starting all but three games for the Bengals.
Hart began his career with the New York Giants, where he spent three seasons, appearing in 33 games with 21 starts. From there, he went to Cincinnati before landing with Buffalo, Miami, Buffalo (again), Tennessee, Buffalo (yet again) and Detroit. He signed with the Lions during training camp in 2023 but was released during final cuts and did not play in 2023.
He signed with the Commanders in October, likely because of his previous relationship with offensive line coach Bobby Johnson.
For fans thinking this is a move to fix Washington’s offensive line — it’s not. Remember, teams signed players to reserve/futures contracts after the season to complete a 90-man offseason roster. The Commanders will continue to add players through free agency, the NFL draft, and undrafted free agency. Hart’s presence adds depth at offensive tackle and, more importantly, experienced depth. Washington understands that if Hart ever starts a game, it failed to adequately address the offensive line in the offseason.
Whether it’s free agency or the draft, the Commanders will bring in more help along the offensive line this offseason.