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The Washington Commanders had several goals entering the 2026 offseason. After winning just five games in 2025, it was clear that adjustments were needed. One of the biggest things we've harped on the most is Adam Peters' desire for the defense to get younger and faster. We've addressed most of the ways they've done that, which largely involves rookie linebacker Sonny Styles and edge rushers Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson.
But Styles isn't the only younger, faster linebacker the Commanders brought in. One player who's flown under the radar is Leo Chenal. Chenal played his first four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, earning two Super Bowl rings along the way. The Chiefs allowed him to hit free agency when his rookie contract expired, and the Commanders lured him in.
Below is a video showing clips of plays Chenal made with the Chiefs.
The video has no audio, but none is needed to see what Chenal brings to the Commanders' defense. His speed, athleticism, and ability to anticipate where the ball is going are all major assets for Daronte Jones and Dan Quinn.
Over his four seasons with the Chiefs, Chenal recorded 218 tackles (124 solo), seven sacks, three forced fumbles, one interception, and six passes defensed. He has missed just three games in his entire NFL career, and that was the final three games of the 2025 season when he injured his shoulder.
If you haven't looked up film of Sonny Styles, it is prudent to do so. When you do, think about this video collage of Chenal, and then picture them both on the field. Together. They won't always be out there together; the linebacking corps will rotate as needed, but when they are, opposing offenses won't be able to contain them both.
Quinn shared his excitement about seeing Chenal, Styles, and the returning Frankie Luvu together in 2026.
Adam Peters didn't go out and grab a bunch of big-name players to come in and "save" this defense. Instead, he methodically picked and chose the players he wanted to bring in, and he may have quietly created a defense that no one is prepared for. Don't sleep on the Commanders' defense in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Leo Chenal quietly a free agency steal
Continue reading...
But Styles isn't the only younger, faster linebacker the Commanders brought in. One player who's flown under the radar is Leo Chenal. Chenal played his first four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, earning two Super Bowl rings along the way. The Chiefs allowed him to hit free agency when his rookie contract expired, and the Commanders lured him in.
Below is a video showing clips of plays Chenal made with the Chiefs.
The video has no audio, but none is needed to see what Chenal brings to the Commanders' defense. His speed, athleticism, and ability to anticipate where the ball is going are all major assets for Daronte Jones and Dan Quinn.
Over his four seasons with the Chiefs, Chenal recorded 218 tackles (124 solo), seven sacks, three forced fumbles, one interception, and six passes defensed. He has missed just three games in his entire NFL career, and that was the final three games of the 2025 season when he injured his shoulder.
If you haven't looked up film of Sonny Styles, it is prudent to do so. When you do, think about this video collage of Chenal, and then picture them both on the field. Together. They won't always be out there together; the linebacking corps will rotate as needed, but when they are, opposing offenses won't be able to contain them both.
Quinn shared his excitement about seeing Chenal, Styles, and the returning Frankie Luvu together in 2026.
Adam Peters didn't go out and grab a bunch of big-name players to come in and "save" this defense. Instead, he methodically picked and chose the players he wanted to bring in, and he may have quietly created a defense that no one is prepared for. Don't sleep on the Commanders' defense in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Leo Chenal quietly a free agency steal
Continue reading...
