Chicago Bears: How will Charles Leno fit in with Washington?

Former Chicago Bears left tackle, Charles Leno signed a one-year deal with the Washington Football Team. The deal is reportedly worth $5 million dollars. The Bears are still on the hook for his dead cap number though too, meaning Leno will earn even more in 2021.

Charles Leno became a cap casualty for the Chicago Bears after landing Teven Jenkins in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Jenkins was projected as a first-round prospect by many analysts (us included) and although most viewed him as a right tackle, it appears he will be making the move to the left side.

Many fans liked to hate on Charles Leno, but in all fairness, he has not been nearly as bad as fans like to think. Not to mention, he was a seventh-round draft pick that fought his way into the starting left tackle role and held onto it for years. That is a win for any team and any general manager. Leno was drafted in 2014, started as early as 2015 (13 games) and then never missed another start again (94 straight starts).

Although Charles Leno has a few down years, he was always a slightly above-average lineman in the NFL. Last season, he finished with a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 74.6. He has issues at times with fast, athletic defensive linemen and EDGE rushers who tend to push him back too far and too fast, but that is not an every-play occurrence as some fans like to think. This is also something that many tackles in the league struggle with at times.

How will former Chicago Bears left tackle, Charles Leno fit in with Washington?

When you look at the current offensive line of the Washington Football Team, it is interesting to see that they signed Leno. The team drafted Samuel Cosmi in the second round (51st overall). Cosmi is considered to be one of the better offensive tackle prospects in the draft. Cosmi is slated to be a left tackle in the NFL and should instantly push to start in Washington.

Another former Chicago Bears tackle, Cornelius Lucas played on the left side for a decent portion of 2020 and played well. He should be given the opportunity to start, but will he be pushed to the right side instead? Doubtful as Morgan Moses looked solid last season with an 80.6 PFF grade.

If I were to guess, Charles Leno will be Washington’s starting left tackle while Samuel Cosmi gets one year to develop. Morgan Moses and Cornelius Lucas will battle it out to see who will start at the right tackle position. Whoever loses will be the third tackle and sometimes used as the swing tackle. This likely makes Cosmi the fourth tackle on the depth chart.

Overall, this is a very good signing for Washington. We know that Ron Rivera likes to run the ball and this should help set up his offense for success on the ground. At $5 million dollars and only a one-year deal, it gives the team an insurance policy and allows Cosmi time to develop.