How Commanders LB Leo Chenal Fits Daronte Jones’ Scheme

The Washington Commanders headed into free agency with a laundry list of needs, especially on the defensive end. With a meticulous approach, the franchise continues to fill positions of need. According to a Kansas City Chiefs insider, Leo Chenal could become a star for the franchise. ESPN Chiefs writer Nate Taylor joined the “BMitch and Finlay” show to discuss the newest defensive addition.

“I think what Steve Spagnuolo (Chiefs defensive coordinator) did was prove how versatile and dynamic Leo can be.”

Chenal represents an under-the-radar choice that the Commanders didn’t overpay for. In signing a three-year, $24.75 million deal, Washington found a potential replacement for Bobby Wagner. While no official word exists regarding Wagner’s future, Chenal offers greater athleticism and fits the speed mandate of defensive coordinator Daronte Jones’ defense, distinguishing him from Wagner, who is known more for experience than speed.

Granted, Wagner is a future Hall of Famer, known for approaching the all-time career tackles record and for excelling against the run. However, he turns 36 in June, and his strengths differ from Chenal’s; while Wagner specializes in run defense, Chenal offers greater flexibility and athleticism, especially in coverage and speed-dependent schemes.

Speaking of versatility, Taylor details the depth of Chenal’s athletic abilities.

“Leo can play really well at the SAM linebacker position. He’s very good at WILL. He’s improved in coverage against tight ends, matching what he expects out of certain formations.”

Additionally, Taylor adds that when the Chiefs lacked depth at a position, Chenal would step up and handle the assigned duties, displaying his versatility. For example, in Super Bowl 58, he lined up on the edge to help control the San Francisco running game, an adjustment that showcased his ability to fill multiple roles.

In Washington, although the Commanders added Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson for edge play, Chenal can also support them as needed, particularly in case of injury, adding to his value beyond what a traditional linebacker brings.

Leo Chenal 58 TKL, 2 SCK, 1 INT 2025 Season Highlights.

New Commanders Linebacker.pic.twitter.com/xhCaU95UTk

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Chenal’s Efforts Run Deeper than Occasional Starts

In a conference with athletic quarterbacks, the Commanders must assign a player to shadow mobile passers. Though not glamorous, this role is essential. Taylor highlighted a key instance where Chenal embraced this challenge.

“He spied Lamar Jackson and did it well. There were moments when the Chiefs were like, ‘If Josh Allen scrambles out of the pocket, our best chance is Leo Chenal.’”

During the 2024 AFC Championship, Chenal limited Jackson to 54 yards on eight carries. The two-time MVP could not free himself. Similarly, Allen ran into comparable rushing issues, gaining 39 yards on 11 carries.

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New Scheme Sees Potential Early Return on Investment

Up front, Jer’Zhan Newton and Daron Payne will look to smother the run. If the back sneaks through, Chenal has the agility to make the stop. At 250 pounds, he also brings a strength component to the field, flashing the ability to shed blocks with either force or explosion.

Meanwhile, on passing downs, blitzing Chenal through any gap can affect the timing and rhythm of a passer under pressure. Chenal, despite playing just 39.5% of the defensive snaps, still landed at No. 50 in the Pro Football Sports Network NFL Linebacker Rankings. Those metrics measure production and efficiency.

With Odafe Oweh commanding attention on the boundary, Chenal can thrive in a system that preaches a downhill approach with the ability to track targets. Can he be the missing piece for the Commanders?

Terrance Biggs Terrance started at heavy.com in January 2026

He is a veteran sportswriter with 12 years of experience, covering NFL, College, and MLB. Terrance has held positions at Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Sports Network. A graduate of Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s in Communication, he is also a voting member of the Football Writers Association of America, United States Basketball Writers Association and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. More about Terrance Biggs