Free agency has been frustrating for the Washington Commanders. No shortage of top targets on the offensive side of the ball have chosen to go elsewhere. But general manager Adam Peters has improved the defense.
Edge rusher Odafe Oweh is the headliner, agreeing to a $100 million deal over the next four years. Cornerback Amik Robertson was a more questionable signing, especially for his hefty price, but we'll wait and see. Defensive tackle Tim Settle is an interesting move, bringing the rotational backup back to the team that drafted him.
But arguably, Washington's best move of the legal tampering period was one nobody saw coming. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Commanders have agreed to terms with linebacker Leo Chenal, a two-time Super Bowl champion from the Kansas City Chiefs, for $24.75 million over three years.
Leo Chenal could be the Commanders' unheralded gem of free agency
You might not have heard of Chenal, despite being on one of the most highly publicized teams in the NFL. But everything about him fits the profile of the type of player who is so much more valuable than his name recognition factor.
The Wisconsin product is a versatile grinder who has always made the most of his opportunities. Chenal has started more than half of the Kansas City Chiefs' games in each of the past three seasons. He's also a regular on special teams, proving he can suit up in any role that's asked of him.
Defensively, Chenal has steadily increased his usage, playing a career-high 53 percent of Kansas City's snaps last season. He's not been an every-down player, but he can make an impact whenever he is plugged in. That speaks volumes about his adaptability and versatility.
Better yet, Chenal's $8.25 million per year is an absolute bargain for a player who figures to be a starting linebacker. Among all the second-level forces signed thus far around the league, he is one of the cheaper deals.
In the best of all worlds, Chenal could be the Frankie Luvu of Adam Peters' 2026 free agency class. No one was expecting a second-team All-Pro when the former Carolina Panthers and New York Jets defensive weapon was signed for $31 million over three years in 2024. Chenal probably won't reach those heights, but he can certainly punch above his weight.
Chenal is a low-risk signing of a young player with some untapped potential. Exactly the type of move Peters needs to be making.