THE Washington Commanders continue their roster overhaul, parting ways with starting left tackle Charles Leno Jr.
The Commanders announced Friday they released the one-time Pro Bowler, 32.
The Washington Commanders have released starting left tackle Charles Leno Jr.Credit: Getty
Leno is reportedly expected to undergo hip surgery next weekCredit: Getty
Leno’s departure comes as he’s expected to undergo hip surgery next week, per NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
The left tackle ended the 2023 season on injured reserve due to a calf problem.
Originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the ex-Boise State standout spent three years with the Commanders.
He started in 47 of 51 games for the team during that time.
Leno, who’s earned $61 million in career earnings, was due $15.5 million in 2024.
His release should save Washington about $7.3 million in salary cap space.
The Commanders have also parted ways with tight end Logan Thomas to get even more spending power this offseason.
They are now about $91.5 million under the line – only the New England Patriots have more cap room in the NFL, per Over the Cap.
Washington is undergoing changes across several departments after going 4-13 in the 2023 campaign.
The franchise hired a new general manager, Adam Peters, and head coach, Dan Quinn, this offseason.
The Commanders are also set to draft a new starting quarterback with their No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
It’s widely expected they will select either Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels out of Louisiana State University or North Carolina standout Drake Maye.
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The draft takes place in Detroit, Michigan, between April 25-27.
The Bears own the top pick, which they will likely use to get quarterback sensation Caleb Williams.
