The Washington Football Team and Charles Leno agreed to a three-year contract extension on Wednesday night. Mike Garafalo of NFL network reported that it was a $37.5 million extension – making Leno the twelfth highest paid tackle in the league.
He was signed by Washington in May, when the Chicago Bears cut him in a cost-saving move.
The Bears originally drafted him out of Boise State in 2014 in the seventh round.
He played in every game this season, and was a steadying influence on an otherwise volatile, banged up offensive line. As a matter of fact, he has played in more than 100 consecutive NFL games (109), over the last seven seasons. That kind of iron man mentality is good in a dressing room.
He gave up six sacks and just two penalties through 16 games of 2021.
Leno was also as big a contributor in the community as he was on the field.
He was just named the NFLPA’s Week 17 Community MVP last week. He and his wife Jen spent all of December playing Leno Claus.
“Leno Claus” came once again for Christmas! Our Week 17 #Community MVP @charleslenojr72 supplied thousands of dollars in donations and in-kind gifts to 20 different charities and five families in need across D.C., Chicago and Oakland: https://t.co/drH63b0Xz3. pic.twitter.com/Kb6wERlLdp
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) December 31, 2021
Arguably his most memorable moment of the season was waving to Raiders fans as he exited their home field. Classic taunt.
Congratulations to Charles on his new contract, and three more years in Washington.
Others Coming?
The move allows Washington to focus on other re-signings before free agency starts, like running back J.D. McKissic, and perhaps Terry McLaurin.
Brandon Scherff played on a Franchise tag for the second year in a row in 2021. Unless he suddenly agrees to considerably less money, Washington will probably lose the perennial Pro Bowl guard to free agency.