The Washington Commanders were widely expected to bolster their linebacking corps this offseason. And general manager Adam Peters wasn't going to wait until the 2026 NFL Draft.
Peters didn't go after Devin Lloyd, who signed for the Carolina Panthers. He had something else in mind. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Commanders have agreed to terms with Leo Chenal. It's a three-year, $24.75 million deal. More importantly for the player, it's the chance to potentially cement his credentials as a legitimate starting option.
However, there is one underlying factor in this equation that cannot be overlooked. Chenal's arrival all but signals the end of Bobby Wagner's two-year stint in Washington.
Commanders all but say goodbye to Bobby Wagner with Leo Chenal move
Wagner is a free agent this offseason. He plans to keep on playing, but that is unlikely to be with the Commanders after this move. Nothing has been confirmed for sure. At the same time, all signs point to the future Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker and the franchise going their separate ways.
This is the right call. Wagner remained a solid presence in between the tackles and on blitzes last season, but the cracks were being exposed more than ever. The former Utah State standout is a liability in isolation. He's never been the best in coverage, but opposing offenses targeted his sluggish movements as a weak link in key moments with great success.
The Commanders' culture shift in 2024, which carried them all the way to the NFC Championship game, wouldn't have happened without Wagner. His leadership, quiet motivation, and unrelenting desire to be great rubbed off positively on his teammates. He set the tone, and others willingly followed.
Now, his powers are waning, and the Commanders' timeline for contention has shifted. Chenal doesn't have anything like the same credentials. Still, he's more athletic, more dynamic, and boasts more long-term upside.
This won't go unnoticed by potential suitors for Wagner. His frailties are obvious at this extremely late stage of his glittering career. But if the six-time All-Pro can land on a contender in a defensive scheme that insulates him, he can be productive.
That doesn't look like it will be in Washington after they acquired Chenal. He may still come back in a lesser role, but it seems, for all the smart money, as if this relationship has run its course.
As for Chenal? This is the opportunity he's been waiting for. He's thrived as a rotational piece and special-teams ace with the Kansas City Chiefs. Now, it's time to embrace much more significant responsibilities.
And there are massive shoes to fill.