The Washington Football Team appears to have filled their hole at left tackle. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Washington is signing former Chicago Bears tackle Charles Leno to a one-year deal worth $5 million.
Leno was released by the Bears on May 3 after seven seasons and 94 starts with the team.
Washington has searched for a suitable replacement to the now-departed Trent Williams for the last two seasons. In 2019, an aging Donald Penn manned the blindside of the offensive line. Last season, Gerron Christian started six games before a knee injury ended his season.
Cornelius Lucas, another former Bears offensive tackle, started eight games. Morgan Moses, the team’s cornerstone right tackle, started two games at left tackle as well.
Leno provides Washington a more experienced option for the 2021 season. Washington also drafted Samuel Cosmi out of Texas in the second round of this year’s NFL Draft. However, the addition of Leno allows Washington to alter its plans with the rookie Cosmi, who now can develop and learn the scheme.
Last season, Leno allowed five sacks and committed six penalties in 1,066 offensive snaps with the Bears, according to Pro Football Focus. He’ll now be tasked with protecting quarterbacks Ryan Fitzpatrick or Taylor Heinicke in 2021.
Leno’s addition solidifies Washington’s offensive line to go along with newly added left guard Ereck Flowers, center Chase Roullier, All-Pro right guard Brandon Scherff and Moses at right tackle.
