After being shut out in their attempts to land wide receiver Romeo Doubs in free agency, the Washington Commanders pivoted to the other side of the ball, agreeing to terms with Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal.
Washington’s deal with Chenal is reported to be for three years and worth $24.75 million. Considering some of the deals given to linebackers on Tuesday, this was a steal for the Commanders. Chenal, a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft from Wisconsin, started 44 games for the Chiefs over four seasons. Chenal became a full-time starter in 2023 and was an integral part of two of Kansas City’s Super Bowl championship teams.
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Linebacker was a massive need for the Commanders. Bobby Wagner is a free agent, and Washington wanted to get younger and faster across the defense, especially at linebacker. Chenal is big (6-foot-3, 250) and fast. He’s also versatile, proving throughout his NFL career that he can play inside, outside, off the ball, edge, etc.
Chenal is young, too. At only 25, he can be a core player as Washington looks to rebuild a unit that has been one of the NFL’s worst for the past three years.
When a player signs, you hear good and bad. With Chenal, almost everyone loves this move for the Commanders. Let’s look at some of the top reactions from analysts, fans and more.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: NFL world reacts to Leo Chenal’s signing