The Commanders announced the release of both veterans on Friday. Neither decision is surprising for a rebuilding team with new management after a 4-13 season. Washington also plans to release center Nick Gates at the start of the upcoming league year.
Leno, a three-year starter in Washington, held a $15.3 million salary-cap charge in 2024. Regardless, the Commanders face a gaping hole along an offensive line already needing upgrades. The 32-year-old Leno will undergo hip surgery next week. He sat out Washington’s final four weeks of the trying season after starting every game he’s played in since 2016.