The Washington Football Team made several big moves this offseason. One area of focus was the offensive line.
The Football Team improved the skill positions in the early part of free agency by signing quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and wide receivers Curtis Samuel and Adam Humphries.
However, just before the 2021 NFL draft, Washington acquired veteran guard Ereck Flowers. Flowers started at left guard in 2019 for Washington before signing with the Miami Dolphins. He will compete with Wes Schweitzer to start at left guard in 2021.
In the draft, Washington chose Texas offensive tackle Samuel Cosmi in the second round. Not long after the draft, the WFT struck again, signing recently released former Pro Bowl offensive tackle, Charles Leno.
So, with all of those moves, Washington surprisingly released longtime starter Morgan Moses and former third-round pick, Geron Christian.
In minicamp, last year’s starter at left tackle, Cornelius Lucas, was with the first team at right tackle while Leno was the first-team left tackle. Cosmi ran with the second team at right tackle.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report doesn’t necessarily believe Leno will be an upgrade for Washington over Lucas in 2021:
This offseason, the Washington Football Team signed left tackle Charles Leno Jr. to a one-year, $4 million deal. While Washington doesn’t appear to view Leno as a long-term replacement for Trent Williams—who was traded in 2020—it is high on the former Bears starter.
“They’re both very good players, they were good players for us and they’ll continue to be good players in the league,” coach Ron Rivera said of Leno and rookie Samuel Cosmi, per Ryan Homler of NBC Sports Washington.
Good may be the absolute best the Football Team can hope for from Leno. While he was a Pro Bowler back in 2018, he was below-average in 2020. According to Pro Football Focus, Leno was responsible for six penalties and five sacks surrendered.
Offensive-line play will be critical for Washington this season, as it will rely on 38-year-old journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback. Relying on Leno to protect Fitzpatrick’s blind side could end in disappointment.
Washington will absolutely be thrilled if “good” is what it gets from Leno in 2021. Offensive line coach John Matsko is one of the best in the NFL, and head coach Ron Rivera certainly believes he will help Leno recapture his previous form from 2018 when he was selected to the Pro Bowl.
