Commanders to sign linebacker Chenal to 3-year, $25M deal
The Commanders addressed their hole at linebacker on Tuesday. The franchise agreed to sign Leo Chenal, formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs, to a three-year deal worth $24.75 million.
The 25-year-old confirmed the move on X, responding to the reported deal with a series of military helmet emojis regularly used by the Commanders’ fan base.
Chenal won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs after the franchise drafted him in the third round of the 2022 draft. He started 44 games in Kansas City, including 12 last season.
The Wisconsin product recorded 58 tackles last year with two sacks, two pass deflections and the first interception of his career. He played a versatile role with the Chiefs, lining up in the box and along the defensive line.
That bodes well for his fit with the exotic, disguise-heavy scheme favored by Daronte Jones, Washington’s new defensive coordinator.
The Commanders had a clear hole at linebacker. The franchise has not re-signed Bobby Wagner, who called Washington’s plays in the defensive huddle and started each game since joining the Commanders in 2024.
Wagner is still a free agent and could opt to return to the Commanders, sharing linebacker responsibilities with Chenal and 2024 All-Pro Frankie Luvu. Jordan Magee, whom the Commanders selected with a fifth-round pick in 2024, is also expected to see an increased role in the defense.