NFL world reacts to Commanders signing Chiefs LB Leo Chenal

[ASFN Admin]

After being shut out in their attempts to land wide receiver Romeo Doubs in free agency, the Washington Commanders pivoted to the other side of the ball, agreeing to terms with Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal.

Washington's deal with Chenal is reported to be for three years and worth $24.75 million. Considering some of the deals given to linebackers on Tuesday, this was a steal for the Commanders. Chenal, a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft from Wisconsin, started 44 games for the Chiefs over four seasons. Chenal became a full-time starter in 2023 and was an integral part of two of Kansas City's Super Bowl championship teams.

Linebacker was a massive need for the Commanders. Bobby Wagner is a free agent, and Washington wanted to get younger and faster across the defense, especially at linebacker. Chenal is big (6-foot-3, 250) and fast. He's also versatile, proving throughout his NFL career that he can play inside, outside, off the ball, edge, etc.

Chenal is young, too. At only 25, he can be a core player as Washington looks to rebuild a unit that has been one of the NFL's worst for the past three years.

When a player signs, you hear good and bad. With Chenal, almost everyone loves this move for the Commanders. Let's look at some of the top reactions from analysts, fans and more.

Idk man watching Leo Chenal sign elsewhere for $8.3M per year while you had historically bad linebacker play is kinda crazy!

— Blake Jewell (@BlakeJewellNFL) March 10, 2026

Leo Chenal is legitimately one of the all-time athletic freaks in recent linebacking history.

Can’t wait to see what Daronte Jones does with him. https://t.co/oH3pE0EQWl

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) March 10, 2026

There is off-the-charts athletic testing and then there is LB Leo Chenal ahead of the 2022 NFL Combine. His RAS score of 9.9 (out of 10) ranked third among linebackers.

Not for that year. Since 1987. Out of 2,410 linebackers. Whew. https://t.co/gCMpl8GuBz

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) March 10, 2026

The Commanders got a dawg in Leo Chenal pic.twitter.com/5NyMvlzC0H

— CommandersMuse (@CommandersMusee) March 10, 2026

Odafe Oweh & Leo Chenal are 2 HUGE pieces for the Commanders defense and have added what they have been missing for a while and that’s SPEED & athleticism! Going from Bobby Wagner to Leo Chenal athleticism wise is going to be crazy. pic.twitter.com/uLq2PoW1UY

— Zac (@DCzWall) March 10, 2026

Sources: Former #Chiefs LB Leo Chenal is signing with the #Commanders for 3 years $24.75M.

Chenal, just 25, won two Super Bowls in Kansas City and was a starter for 44 games. A strong addition. pic.twitter.com/QgwOtreuiM

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 10, 2026

My Fav Leo Chenal Moments:

Blocked the XP attempt that helped to send SB58 into OT for the Chiefs Vs Niners

Blocked the GW FG the next season to send Kansas City to 9-0 vs Denver, which produced an insane Arrowhead Crowd Pop. pic.twitter.com/qxlGYacHXG

— DMac Wake (@DMacWake316) March 10, 2026

We just signed LB Leo Chenal…

When’s the last time we had a linebacker who could cover like THIS? #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/a52SxmJkXl

— Chris Bryant (@HogfarmerChris) March 10, 2026

I think Leo Chenal will prove to be Adam Peters’ most productive FA addition in his three cycles at the helm.

Heck of a ballplayer that can really do it all within the front seven, on all three downs, from varying alignments. Still just 25 & Washington gets him on a team…

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) March 10, 2026

One of the questions has been answered. They got a damn good LB in Leo Chenal.

Still much more work to do. Need offensive help. https://t.co/6K5j8Sizlh

— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) March 10, 2026

Leo Chenal feels like the perfect singing for the Flores defensive scheme.

Uber versatile, crazy athletic. Off-ball LB who will let you use Luvu as an edge more. He can be used on the edge as well. Can run and cover in flat.

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) March 10, 2026

I agree with what everyone is saying...This is entirely unprecedented and is going to unleash a domino effect on the league...

Leo Chenal 3 for $24M will be remembered for generations!

— Marcus Whitman (@TFG_Football) March 11, 2026

Leo Chenal propaganda. Letting him walk in free agency would be a mistake https://t.co/vRBORlrcdb

— Daniel Harms (@InHarmsWay19) November 24, 2025

Spags losing a really nice chess piece man...gonna miss Mr. Death Row Leo Chenal https://t.co/iLExevx2uh

— DMac Wake (@DMacWake316) March 10, 2026

The Commanders added a key part for Daronte Jones' defense by agreeing to a three-year deal with Leo Chenal. He's considered a strong blitzer with good range, two traits that will help Washington's defense.

— John Keim (@john_keim) March 10, 2026

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: NFL world reacts to Leo Chenal's signing

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