If the Washington Commanders want to make legitimate defensive improvements under new coordinator Daronte Jones this season, the new-look linebacking corps must set the tone. And it's starting to look like new free-agent signing Leo Chenal will have a huge role to play.
And he knows it.
Chenal joined the Commanders on a three-year, $24.75 million deal with a $6.5 million signing bonus and $12.4 million guaranteed this offseason. He's supremely athletic and physical, and he plays fast. Simply put, this is precisely what Washington's defense was sorely lacking in 2025.
Commanders fans get a small window into Leo Chenal's potential role
The Commanders are well stocked at the defensive second level. Frankie Luvu is moving back to an off-ball role in a contract year. Washington used the No. 7 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Sonny Styles, who has franchise cornerstone upside. With Jordan Magee also part of the rotation, things are looking up for a group that looked too slow and vulnerable previously.
Chenal will be a key factor in any success that comes their way. And he dropped a subtle clue about what fans can expect during a conversation with Steve Wyche of the NFL Network.
"They really want to take advantage of what we're really good at, and we've kind of developed the scheme more, and we're going to continue to mold that around the guys that we have. So it's really cool to see how personalized it is, and as a MIKE linebacker in the middle, you can go each way, come downhill; you've got so much flexibility as a linebacker in this defense."
Some have speculated that Chenal's use of the term "MIKE linebacker" suggests he will start the season as Washington's green dot on defense. Luvu could hold the spot too, and Styles will eventually have it as the long-term option. But after shining on the Kansas City Chiefs' rotation over his first four years in the league, this would be a natural transition.
— Full Command (@FullCommandShow) July 17, 2026
These are good problems for the Commanders to have. Bobby Wagner was the ever-present once again last season, but his powers were waning. Now, there is strength in depth with the dynamism and speed needed to completely transform the defense.
Whether it's as the MIKE or as a versatile chess piece, Chenal has a part to play.
He's firmly in his prime, has been around a winning franchise before, and has accumulated some decent experience working under an elite defensive mind in Steve Spagnuolo. If Chenal can kick on in Washington, this signing has some real potential attached.
It'll be interesting to watch this dynamic unfold over training camp. Jones has an embarrassment of riches capable of holding the green dot, but if he gives it to Chenal initially, that is a supreme vote of confidence in someone who may only be scratching the surface of what he's capable of.
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