New linebacker Leo Chenal breaks down what led to his decision to sign with the Washington Commanders in free agency
Sometimes, change can be a good thing. Just as Leo Chenal.
The former Kansas City linebacker entered free agency with a decision to make after entering free agency for the first time in his career. The former third round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft became an integral piece of the Chiefs' defense over the last three seasons, recording at least 50 tackles in each while notching a career-high three sacks in 2023, then three forced fumbles in 2024. Chenal adds versatility to a front seven with the skillset to become an off ball linebacker while also generating pressure in pass rush. He also adds much needed youth to the front seven after general manager Adam Peters put an emphasis on getting younger in 2026.
After being part of a Chiefs team who failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014, the chance to become an integral part of a defense was a priority in free agency on his fit and role. The idea of signing with a team like the Washington Commanders fresh off a five-win season wasn't a deterrent, eventually inking a three year deal worth up to $24.75 million.
"This past year like with the Chiefs, we didn't have a great record. Here, we probably didn't meet expectations. I just know that we got a bunch of great players in the building that are capable of winning. We got a staff, front office, coaches, everybody involved. It's like the energy, the culture that they have. We're capable of having a great record pushing in the playoffs. I didn't look at records. I looked at where can I thrive."
It helped having familiar faces in the organization to get feedback from having played one season with Andrew Wylie and two seasons with Nick Allegretti with the Chiefs then re-signed with the Commanders this offseason.
"I didn't hear anything negative in terms of just the people, being around and that's a huge part of it," Chenal added.
Chenal also capitalized on the NFL's new free agency rules with available players able to connect with head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Daronte Jones ahead of signing.
Now that he's arrived, Chenal becomes a versatile, athletic piece capable of adding to a revamped pass rush for Washington with Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu joining him in the fold. Washington also returns both Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee as they're expected to step into elevated roles under Daronte Jones, but Chenal adds a different type of versatility to the defense, a trait that he takes pride in.
"I was an off ball linebacker at Wisconsin, never really been on the line and I wasn't asked to do a whole lot in coverage in college and stuff. So as I got in the league, I'm slowly progressing. I can play anywhere, like I said, on the line, off the ball."
Beyond the Xs and Os, Chenal is looking to bring "violence, physicality" to Ashburn and Commanders defense.
“Gameday, I'm bringing that energy, that juice. I'm ready to get these guys rolling. Not that they needed any more, but I'm ready to uplift in any way that I can, supplement, any way I can and again, get this rolling."