The Washington Commanders have fortified their linebacker group by acquiring former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal on a three-year, $24.75 million contract. This early free agency move underscores the team’s intent to revamp a defense that struggled in 2025. With an average annual value of $8.25 million, the deal brings a versatile, championship-tested player to Washington under defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. At 25 years old, Chenal offers physicality and upside to a unit aiming for improvement.
Drafted in the third round (No. 103 overall) by the Chiefs in 2022 from the University of Wisconsin, Chenal earned Big Ten Linebacker of the Year in 2021 for his run-stopping prowess. In the NFL, he contributed to three Super Bowl wins (2023-2025). Over 65 games with 18 starts, he transitioned from a rotational role to a key defender, excelling in run support and special teams. Highlights include a blocked punt for a touchdown in Super Bowl LVII and consistent top rankings in run defense from Pro Football Focus (PFF). Standing at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, his aggressive style fits high-stakes environments.
The $24.75 million pact provides the Commanders with cap flexibility while betting on Chenal’s growth. It surpasses Spotrac’s projected three-year value of $13.9 million, indicating Washington’s view of him as a core piece. The structure impacts about 3.5 percent of the 2026 cap (around $240 million), leaving ample room for further signings in areas like the secondary or edge rush. This is a notable increase from Chenal’s rookie deal ($1.26 million annually). The shorter term reduces risk; strong performance could lead to an extension, aligning with GM Adam Peters’ focus on young talent.
Chenal’s stats emphasize his run-defense strength and tackling reliability, with a career missed tackle rate of 6.5 percent per PFF. He recorded 218 tackles (124 solo), 7.0 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. Season-by-season breakdown:
- 2022: 35 tackles (19 solo), 1.0 sack, 2.5 stuffs; PFF grade: 72.4.
- 2023: 65 tackles (40 solo), 3.0 sacks, 8.0 stuffs; PFF grade: 85.9 (top 10 for linebackers with 300+ snaps).
- 2024: 60 tackles (40 solo), 1.0 sack, 5.5 stuffs, 3 forced fumbles; PFF grade: 82.1.
- 2025: 58 tackles (25 solo), 2.0 sacks, 5.5 stuffs, 1 interception; PFF grade: 75.1 (18th among linebackers), with run-defense at 76.2 (22nd) and coverage at 72.6 (11th).
He ranked in the top five for combined run-defense grades over the past three seasons (91.3 overall). Pass-rush metrics (57.2 grade in 2025) show potential, bolstered by 5 quarterback hits that year.
Daronte Jones’ scheme draws from his Vikings tenure, featuring a 3-4 base with aggressive blitzing and zone coverage. It demands versatile, physical linebackers, where Chenal thrives. His elite run defense addresses Washington’s 2025 weakness (28th in rushing yards allowed at 135.2 per game). Coverage improvements (limiting 9 receiving yards in select 2025 situations) suit matching tight ends or dropping into zones.
In Kansas City’s 4-3 under Steve Spagnuolo, Chenal saw limited snaps (under 460 recently), but Jones’ system could expand his role to three downs. His 85.0 early-2025 run-defense grade would rank fourth league-wide. Paired with Frankie Luvu or a re-signed Bobby Wagner, he enhances depth and enables blitz creativity, leveraging his 7.0 career sacks.
Chenal’s signing upgrades the Commanders’ defense, tackling run-stopping issues and adding depth with a proven winner. Backed by solid PFF grades and stats, he fits Jones’ aggressive approach, potentially cutting points allowed and boosting third-down stops (25th at 41.2 percent opponent rate in 2025). With Jayden Daniels at quarterback, this move aids playoff aspirations in 2026, marking a savvy offseason investment.
