4 Commanders free agents who could be forced into retirement in 2024

Charles Leno Jr.

Adam Peters wasted no time in trimming the fat heading into free agency. Charles Leno Jr. was a dependable veteran presence at left tackle. This wasn't enough to prevent the former seventh-round pick from becoming a salary-cap casualty.

This move was largely well-received by the fanbase. It also indicates the Washington Commanders could be looking to capitalize on an exceptional draft class for offensive linemen with the wealth of assets at the team's disposal. As for Leno? He's about to embark on an uncertain future.

According to reports, Leno is set to undergo hip surgery in the not-too-distant future. Just how significant the complication is has yet to be determined, but it's something that jeopardizes his chances of getting another shot elsewhere unless everything checks out on the health front.

Much will depend on how other teams examine medical evaluations where Leno is concerned. An offer might not arrive during the first wave of free agency, but getting a short-term deal from an organization looking to bolster their depth seems like a realistic scenario all things considered.

Of all the players on this list, Leno's forced retirement seems the most unlikely. That could change due to his age and how rehabilitation from hip surgery goes in the coming weeks. But he's dependable enough to get another opportunity somewhere and his exceptional leadership is something else working in the blindside protector's favor.