The Washington Commanders added depth to their offensive line by signing veteran offensive lineman Foster Sarell. Here are five things to know about the left tackle.
1. He was a highly recruited high school player.
Sarell was regarded as one of the best high school recruits to ever come out of the Northwest region, and that isn't an overexaggeration. There were analysts and scouts who viewed the Graham-Kapowsin High School as the best football player and offensive lineman they had ever been around.
"He was the prototype -- a guy who had great feet, was a great athlete and somebody who worked at his craft," Eagles coach Eric Kurle said in 2021. "He always pushed himself to get better."
Sarell, a five-star prospect, had unique measurables and skills. He was one of the first freshmen in school history to start a full season and ended his career standing at 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds. He was a three-time all-state and all-American selection and ranked as the best high school player in Washington state.
Sarell collected several awards at the high school level. A two-time team captain for the Eagles, he was named to the All-USA team by USA Today and a U.S. Army All-American. He also earned the High GPA Achievement Award all four years.
2. He was an All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention at Stanford.
It took some time for Sarell to become a starter at Stanford. He was a rotational player as a freshman and played in three games as a sophomore before he decided to redshirt for the rest of the season.
Sarell returned to the lineup in 2019, fully recovered from an injury he suffered the previous year, and carved out a role as the Cardinal's starting right tackle. He was a solid addition to the offensive line, as he allowed just two sacks and 15 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. He was named an All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention later that year.
Sarell returned for the 2020 season and started all six games of the shortened COVID-19 season and helped the Cardinal finish 4-2 with a win against UCLA to close out the year. Sarell allowed just one sack and eight total pressures.
Sarell elected to forgo a fifth season at Stanford and enter the NFL Draft. After going undrafted by a team, he started his career by signing with the Baltimore Ravens.
3. His experience with the Chargers helped grow his confidence.
Sarell had brief stints with the Ravens and New York Giants before finding a more permanent home with the Los Angeles Chargers. He spent most of his time on the practice squad but did get elevated to the active roster at times and even started three games in 2022.
Sarell credits his three-year stint with the Chargers as one of the biggest reasons for his growth as a player and person.
"The thing that I probably learned most was just to have confidence in your ability and just know that I have been given a bunch of gifts that apply to the NFL," Sarell said.
Sarell feels "really good" about his skill set and what he can add to the Commanders' offensive line thanks to his four years with the Chargers. He got to hone his craft while working against the likes of Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, two of the league's better pass-rushers of the last decade. The experience he gained from appearing in 35 games also helped him learn more about himself as a player and what he can do at the professional level.
Sarell believes his size, physicality and good movement will fit in with what the Commanders already have at the position.
"Take those things I've learned and then apply them here," Sarell said. "I'm just excited to see what happens."
4. He wants to be part of the excitement in Washington.
Like the rest of the NFL, Sarell saw the success the Commanders had throughout the 2024 season, and he wanted to be part of it.
"I think it's become pretty unanimous around the league that they are just running this place really well," Sarell said. "Players love being here, and coaches love working here."
Sarell's role isn't completely clear at this time, other than adding depth to the offensive line. No matter what he ends up doing, Sarell wants to help in any way he can, be a good teammate and do his job. And if an opportunity opens up for him at some point, he wants to be ready for it.
"That's definitely something I'm excited to do and see what I can accomplish," Sarell said. "I think that is a good fit for me."
5. He's learned a lot of lessons from his NFL journey.
Sarell has had a winding journey throughout his career. He was a highly-touted high school athlete before dealing with injuries that hampered his opportunities as a starter in college. He had bounced around the NFL before finding a rotational role with the Chargers that contributed to him signing a deal with the Commanders.
It might not have gone the way Sarell envisioned, but he's learned a lot over the years.
"It's been incredible," Sarell said. "Just a true testament to God and things He's done in me and worked through me. I've been super grateful for that."
Sarell described himself as having "really high highs and really low lows," and those experiences have created more self-confidence. Along with trusting his faith, he's developed a strong belief in himself and what he can accomplish. He's happy with the way he's addressed those challenges so far and is ready to take on whatever comes next with his new team.
"I'm just excited to see what happens, and I'm super pumped to be here," Sarell said.
