Former Chicago Bears Pro Bowl left tackle Charles Leno was a surprise release of the team last May. That came after Leno, 30, started all 80 games for Chicago over the past five seasons.
Agreeing to a prove-it, one-year deal with the Washington Football Team ahead of the 2021 season, Leno more than proved himself as a capable blindside protector.
He’s now getting paid like it.
According to Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Leno has agreed to a three-year, $37.5 million extension with Washington that will keep him in the nation’s capital through the 2024 season.
This appears to be a win-win for both Leno and WFT. The team retains a core player who likely would have cashed in on a big pay day during free agency in March. Meanwhile, Leno turns a tremendous 2021 campaign into a long-term pay day.
Heading into Week 18, Leno has started all 16 games in which he’s appeared this season. He has anchored an offensive line that’s allowed a mere 35 sacks despite being forced to play four different quarterbacks through 17 games.
Pro Football Focus grades Leno out as the fifth-best pass-protecting offensive linemen in the NFL this season (third among offensive tackles).
Regardless of who is under center for Washington next season, having a solid offensive line is going to be key to the team’s success. Leno is the first step. Re-signing Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff would also be key. But this is a solid move for Washington.
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