Super Bowl contenders the Kansas City Chiefs may sign $37 million free agent and former Washington Commander offensive tackle, Charles Leno. According to a source, they are urging the Chiefs to make a swerve move to sign Leno instead of bringing back Donovan Smith. Leno was originally a seventh-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the former Bear spent the past three years protecting for the Commanders. However, the team moved on from him to save $7 million in cap space.
It’s interesting because he was a solid player on the roster and the team already had enough cap space to keep him. Leno wasn’t necessarily at fault for the downfall of the Commanders’ offense line. The unit gave up a league-leading 85 sacks but a lot of it came from Sam Howell holding onto the ball. According to Pro Football Network, the Boise State product took 880 snaps at left tackle and finished the year with a 72.5 PFF grade.
However, his track record of injuries got the best of him after ending his 2023 campaign on the injured reserve. Following his release, he underwent hip surgery but he could make a full recovery and still have a lot to offer. There’s still a lot of upside to his value, especially considering the Chiefs haven’t had any luck this offseason. Smith is still available but it’s hard to imagine Kansas City bringing him back after a disappointing first season with the team.
However, the Chiefs don’t have a lot of cap space after extending defensive tackle, Chris Jones to a monster contract. Kansas may need to bring someone in like Leno to add some insurance to their offensive line. The stirring controversy and confusing offseason may force the team’s hand to make some immediate moves.
Super Bowl Contenders Kansas City Chiefs May Sign $37 Million Free Agent Charles Leno
Two Chiefs Were Recently Arrested
Offensive tackles Wanya Morris and Chukwuebuka Godrick were the latest players on the roster to be in some legal trouble. After Rashee Rice’s controversy, the Chiefs shouldn’t take a chance to let this one go and could make some immediate moves. However, the players may have been arrested but they were released on bond. These arrests just signify what kind of offseason the Chiefs have been having and it’s been upright terrible for the defending champions.
The team has been in some negative headlines in this entirety of the offseason. With the Rice arrest, Harrison Butker’s controversial speech and Xavier Worthy’s stolen car, Kansas City can’t catch a break. It may be time for the Chiefs to make some last-minute moves to add insurance to their depth chart. They’re still looking for one more receiver but now they may have to worry about the offensive line position.
Leno isn’t the best tackle out for the team but it’s better than nothing. No one should expect the Chiefs to spend big-time money until he proves he can fit in this offense. If not, here are some possible destinations for the Boise State product.
Possible Destinations
The Saints have been doing their homework for their offensive line, drafting Taliese Fuaga to protect Derek Carr. However, one more veteran rotational piece wouldn’t hurt. The line looks promising for New Orleans but they have a lot of unproven talent so they may need to add some insurance. Given his age and recent success in a collapsing line in Washington, Leno would be the perfect fit for that.
The Ravens have two solid offensive tackles in Ronnie Staley and Patrick Mekari but Morgan Moses not coming back means they need a solid replacement. Leno would be a good veteran to give Lamar Jackson a much-needed cushion to lead the team to contend in the playoffs. It would be interesting if the Boise State product winds up with the rival and faces his former team this upcoming season.
However, the Panthers have been doing an exceptional job restoring their offense except for protection for second-year quarterback, Bryce Young. Carolina had the chance to restore it but they were focused on upgrading depth in other needs. Ikem Ekwonu is still a solid piece but there’s a need for some upgrade. Leno would give the offense an immediate boost to help lead Young and give him the best roster to lead.
