5 potential Commanders candidates to replace Charles Leno Jr.
By Dean Jones
Who could the Washington Commanders potentially target to replace Charles Leno Jr. after the left tackle was released?
Adam Peters began trimming the fat with a mini-cull of veteran players during the NFL Scouting Combine. Nick Gates' time with the Washington Commanders lasted one season. Veteran tight end Logan Thomas was also deemed surplus to requirements. The team's decision to part ways with left tackle Charles Leno Jr. was perhaps the most significant.
Few Commanders players have been more reliable than Leno. He's been an iron-man on the blindside with underrated production more often than not. While it was far from perfect last season, the former seventh-round selection performed better than most. Unfortunately, it was not enough to justify keeping him around on such a lofty salary.
This provides Peters with more financial assets to spend in free agency. However, it leaves a gaping hole at one of football's most important positions on offense. Leno's supreme leadership within the locker room is another element that will be sorely missed.
A replacement must be found - and quickly. With this in mind, here are five potential candidates for the role in 2024.
Commanders could keep things in-house
Reinforcements will be arriving in some capacity. That's an absolute necessity after such torrid production in 2023. It becomes an even greater priority if the Washington Commanders select a new franchise quarterback at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Commanders have the resources available to replace Charles Leno Jr. effectively. They could also decide to keep things in-house. This scenario is a gamble of epic proportions, but it's something to consider nonetheless.
Trent Scott is a starting offensive tackle with bags of experience, although most of it could be best described as indifferent. Sam Cosmi is athletic enough to transition, but it seems as if he's found a spot at the right guard position long-term. Braeden Daniels is a fourth-round selection who might not have made the 53-man roster before going on season-ending injured reserve.
In conclusion, this is a non-starter. The Commanders should be thinking bigger as part of their grand plans for progress.