If a team needs to figure out who to add, it’s best to add players who know how to win. A two-time Super Bowl champion seems to check off that box. The Washington Commanders needed help on defense and went out and got it. They reached an agreement with former Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal on a three-year deal.
Commanders Set to Sign 2-Time Super Bowl Champion Leo Chenal
Chenal has been a key piece of the Chiefs’ defense over the last four years, starting 44 games.
He won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs and decided it was time to move on from Kansas City. Chenal is now heading to Washington on a three-year deal worth $24.75 million.
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
The Commanders needed to fill a hole at linebacker. They have Frankie Luvu, but Bobby Wagner isn’t set in stone for the 2026 roster. Chenal is only 25 years old and could be a pivotal piece of this Commanders’ defense for years to come.
Last season, Chenal ranked 50th in PFSN’s LB Impact Metric with an impact score of 70.8. Wagner was outstanding for the Commanders at times, but was often a target in coverage by opposing offenses because of his age. Therefore, Chenal’s younger legs will be an asset that the Commanders’ defense will love to have.
Washington has new coordinators on both sides of the ball. They hired former QB David Blough as offensive coordinator and Daronte Jones as defensive coordinator. Jones will be in charge of an entire defense at the NFL level for the first time and will have his hands full. Adding a player like Chenal to the middle of his defense can make it easier, as the former Chiefs linebacker knows what it takes to win after winning two rings in his four seasons.
There’s been a clear emphasis for Washington to add to their defense. Chenal is the fourth defensive signing that the Commanders have made in the legal tampering period. They added EDGE Odafe Oweh, CB Amik Robertson, and DT Tim Settle Jr. on multi-year deals. Adding veteran players to this defense can help take this defense up a level from last year.
The 2025 season was a down year for the Commanders after reaching the NFC Championship Game the previous year. However, it was because Jayden Daniels couldn’t stay healthy and the team couldn’t find a rhythm. With the new faces on defense and a hopefully healthy Daniels, the Commanders will be eyeing a return to the postseason in the upcoming season.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.
