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.
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.