Is Leo Chenal the Commanders’ Best Free Agent Signing?

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 18: Leo Chenal #54 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 18, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty Images Leo Chenal has a golden opportunity with the Washington Commanders. The former Kansas City Chief signed a three-year contract with Washington during free agency for $8.

2 million per year. The pay in itself indicates Washington’s belief in who Chenal can become in a defense that does not have Drue Tranquill and Nick Bolton playing ahead of him. Because of a crowded room, Chenal was limited to playing predominantly as a Sam linebacker or as a situational sub-defensive end.

In all, he was Steve Spagnuolo’s chess piece; he trusted Chenal against the run because of his high-end functional strength against offensive linemen and solid pass-rushing ability. His skill set and role in Kansas City are similar to those of Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, when played for the New Orleans Saints. So, is Chenal capable of expanding his role in a similar way now that he’s in Washington?

It’s an important question given the investment Washington made into Chenal. Daniel Harms, who covers the Kansas City Chiefs at Bleacher Report, joined the Trap or Dive Podcast to provide a player profile for the new Washington linebacker. Harms loves the opportunity Chenal has in Washington, but knowing he was not an every-down linebacker creates uncertainty about his true ceiling.