Washington signs one-time Pro Bowl LT Charles Leno to one-year, $5 million deal

The Chicago Bears surprised some in NFL circles when they traded up to select Oklahoma State Cowboys offensive tackle Teven Jenkins in the second round of the 2021 draft and then released veteran Charles Leno, who made 93 consecutive starts for Chicago at left tackle but became a salary-cap casualty earlier this month. 

The 29-year-old did not remain available for long. 

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport (h/t Kevin Patra) and ESPN's John Keim both report the Washington Football Team is signing Leno to a one-year contract worth $5 million. Leno visited with Washington on Monday after the Bears announced the news of his release on May 3.  

Leno earned his first and only Pro Bowl nod in 2018 and is joining a club expected to once again compete for the NFC East division title largely because of its stellar defense. However, Washington acquired journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick via free agency to serve as starting quarterback and obviously considers Fitzpatrick an upgrade over the now-retired Alex Smith. 

Leno will be tasked with protecting his new 38-year-old signal-caller who finished the 2020 campaign 17th among eligible players with a 95.6 passer rating but fifth with a total QBR of 76.9, per ESPN stats.