On Wednesday, the Washington Football Team re-signed starting left tackle Charles Leno to a three-year, $37.5 million contract, according to Mike Garafolo. He had just signed with Washington prior to the 2021 season.
The #WashingtonFootball Team and LT Charles Leno have agreed to a three-year, $37.5 million extension, sources tell me and @RapSheet. Released by the #Bears in May, Leno found a new home, played well and now cashes in for the second time in his career.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 6, 2022
Charles Leno Signs Three-Year Extension With Washington Football Team
The 30-year old tackle out of Boise State, Leno, spent his first seven seasons with the Chicago Bears. But, the Bears released Leno in May of 2021. He shortly joined the Washington Football Team and emerged as the starting left tackle as Washington released Morgan Moses and placed Sam Cosmi at right tackle. Leno started all 16 games for Washington thus far.
While the Washington offensive line has had its struggles in recent weeks, it has played excellent this season, especially considering the revolving door at center as Keith Ismael was the fourth starting center for Washington this season. This excellent play can be attributed to the left side, which had been sturdy all season, led by Leno and Erick Flowers. Leno has committed just one penalty, surrendered six sacks, and holds a 79.9 Pro Football Focus grade on the season. He also holds a PFF pass-blocking grade of 86.5, which is third among tackles. Another critical part of Leno’s excellence has been his durability, as he has yet to miss a start since 2015, a trait that Morgan Moses also had for Washington.
Charles Leno played 1,062 snaps, committed 1 penalty, allowed 6 sacks and has an overall PFF grade of 79.9. It was a solid signing and a good move to re-sign him.#WashingtonFootball
— Tae & Todd Commanders Podcast (@TaeNToddPodcast) January 6, 2022
Charles Leno Jr…
…is only 30.
…hasn't missed a game since start of 2015.
…in 2021 has No. 3 @PFF pass-blocking grade (86.5) among OTs, has just 2 penalties & leads #WFT in offensive snaps.#WashingtonFootball signing Leno to a 3-year contract extension is very good news.— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) January 6, 2022
This contract is not just team-friendly, as the $12.5 million contract puts Leno as the 23rd highest-paid tackle in the league, but it also allows team-building flexibility moving forward. Washington will have a top 12 pick in this year’s draft and this could allow them to focus on more pressing needs, like quarterback. It also allows Sam Cosmi to remain at right tackle. This could help lead to a second-year jump for the rookie, who had an injury-riddled, yet promising rookie season.
All in all, with the uncertainty surrounding Brandon Scherff, Washington has locked in another offensive line spot for the 2022 season: left tackle.
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