A long-time mainstay at left tackle in Chicago has found a new home in our nation’s capital.
Charles Leno Jr. is signing with the Washington Football Team, on a one-year deal worth just $5 million per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Washington Football has its left tackle: The WFT is signing former #Bears LT Charles Leno to a 1-year deal worth $5M, per @SlavinRon.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 12, 2021
That’s a bargain of a deal for a left tackle who started 93 consecutive games from 2015 to 2020. In other words, that’s six years of knowing who is protecting the quarterback’s blind-side on a weekly basis. What a steal.
By joining the football squadron located in our nation’s capital, Leno joins Ron Rivera — a former Bears standout defender and defensive coordinator. Other ex-Bears in Washington include fellow offensive lineman Cornelius Lucas, running back Lamar Miller, linebacker Jon Bostic, and punter Tress Way. So, that’s now six former Chicago footballers in Washington. If Mike Royko was alive (and presumably, on Twitter) I’d ask if there is a Bears version of his famed ex-Cub factor. You know … for research purposes.
The Bears seem OK with pivoting to rookie second-round pick Teven Jenkins to man the left tackle position with Leno off the books. But if the team decides to change directions at a later date, Leno’s $5 million price tag suggests a possible starter could be had for a bargain. The likes of Russell Okung and Rick Wagner remain available, should Chicago desire adding depth with experience. We’ll dig into the new-look offensive line later ….