Former Washington Commanders offensive tackle Charles Leno remains available in the free agency market following his three-season stint with the Commanders. Despite undergoing offseason hip surgery, Zack Cook of Sports Grid anticipates Leno’s eventual signing with the New England Patriots.
While acknowledging that Leno may not be at his peak performance level, Cook suggests that the seasoned player could still offer value to a team, particularly in a backup role. Leno’s experience and veteran presence could prove beneficial for a young team seeking seasoned players to bolster their roster.
Leno, who previously played for the Chicago Bears from 2014 to 2020, earned Pro Bowl honors in 2018. However, the Commanders opted to release Leno at the start of the league year, a move that resulted in significant cap space savings of $7.28 million for the team.
In their efforts to fill the void left by Leno’s departure, the Commanders have made strategic moves to strengthen their offensive line, including the signings of Cornelius Lucas, Tyler Biadasz, Nick Allegretti, and Michael Deiter.
Despite his contributions on the field, Leno’s hefty salary was deemed unsustainable for the Commanders in the upcoming 2024 season, prompting his release. While acknowledging Leno’s reliability and consistent performance, Dean Jones of Riggo’s Rag suggests that his salary outweighed his on-field contributions, necessitating his departure from the team.
Looking ahead, Leno’s potential impact with the New England Patriots lies in fortifying their offensive line, particularly as the team prepares to draft a quarterback with the No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft. With a competent offensive line being crucial for the development of a young quarterback, Leno’s experience and skills could prove invaluable for the Patriots.
The Patriots’ struggles with their offensive line in the previous season were evident, with the team ranking poorly in pass-blocking metrics and allowing a significant number of sacks. Analysts believe that Leno’s addition could significantly bolster the Patriots’ offensive line, providing much-needed stability and reliability for the upcoming season.
Ultimately, Leno’s journey in free agency and potential signing with the New England Patriots highlights the intricate dynamics of player acquisitions and team strategies in the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL. As teams continue to make strategic moves to strengthen their rosters, Leno’s experience and skill set position him as a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster their offensive line.
