Washington Commanders Set To Release Pro Bowler Starter Before 2024 Season To Save Cap Space

The Commanders own the second overall pick in April. The team has a chance to select Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels. The Commanders will need their offensive line to protect the new quarterback if they have any opportunity to develop in the league.

The Commanders are set to release Charles Leno

Per Ian Rapoport with the NFL Network, the Commanders are set to release veteran left tackle Charles Leno. The 2018 Pro Bowl offensive lineman will have hip surgery next week.

The Commanders will lose their starting LT in a critical year

The former Chicago Bears offensive lineman has played well in his previous three seasons in Washington. Per Pro Football Focus, Leno gave up only three sacks in 631 pass-blocking attempts for the 2023 season. Per Grant Paulsen, the Commanders will save $7.2 million in cap space for 2024.

2023 fourth-round pick Braeden Daniels is listed on Our Lads as Leno’s backup. Daniels played in zero snaps during his rookie season.

The Commanders could be looking at a situation next season where they will have a rookie quarterback start while they have an inexperienced blind-side blocker on the perimeter.