Charles Leno Jr. Fantasy Stats

The Washington Commanders have informed starting left tackle Charles Leno (hip) that they are releasing him on Friday, according to a source. Leno is scheduled to undergo hip surgery next week. The 32-year-old also missed the final three games of the 2023 season and was placed on Injured Reserve due to a calf injury. Washington's move to release him will save them around $7.3 million in 2024 salary cap space. Leno also missed a contest earlier last season due to a shoulder ailment. Leno wasn't a liability while protecting quarterback Sam Howell's blind side, but the Commanders will look to do better at the position. Depending on how quickly he can recover from his hip surgery, Leno should be able to latch on with another team sooner than later this offseason.

The Washington Football Team signed veteran offensive tackle Charles Leno Jr. to a one-year deal worth $5 million on Wednesday, according to his agent, Ron Slavin. Leno was released by the Chicago Bears earlier this month after he started 93 straight games at left tackle for the team. The 2018 Pro Bowler visited with Washington on Monday before signing his deal. Washington also traded for guard Ereck Flowers and drafted tackle Samuel Cosmi in the second round this year to bolster their offensive line. If Washington wants Cosmi to move to the right side, they could release right tackle Morgan Moses, who has started every game since 2015. Cornelius Lucas and Geron Christian combined to start 14 games at left tackle in 2020, but Leno figures to be the blind-side protector in 2021.

The Chicago Bears will release left tackle Charles Leno, their starter for the last seven seasons, on Monday, according to a source. The Bears traded up to draft Oklahoma State offensive tackle Teven Jenkins in the second round of this year's draft and plan to play him on the left side in his rookie season. Chicago also took offensive lineman Larry Borom in the fifth round. In a year where most teams are tight against the salary cap, this was a surprise move, but it will save the Bears $9 million as a post-June 1 cut. Leno was a seventh-round pick in 2014 and made 93 straight starts in the last seven seasons. He should land on his feet rather quickly with a tackle-needy team now that he will be a free agent on the open market.