The Washington Commanders have informed veteran left tackle Charles Leno he is being released according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

Leno spent the last three seasons in Washington and started all 47 games he played for the team.   As Rapoport notes, Leno is set to undergo hip surgery next week. That procedure will no doubt be a factor in determining his free agent value, just as it played a role in today’s move. The 32-year-old was limited to 13 games this season (his fewest since his rookie season), and he ended the year on injured reserve due to a calf injury.

Leno remained a consistent performer along the blindside during his Commanders tenure. He earned a PFF grade of at least 71.6 in each campaign with the team, drawing strong marks for pass protection in particular. That remained the case in 2023, when he ranked 28th overall out of 81 qualifying tackles. With the former seventh-rounder now out of the picture, though, the LT spot could see notable turnover in Washington this offseason.

Leno’s departure will result in $7.25 million of cap savings against $8.25 million in dead money. Classifying the move as a post-June 1 release will create $11.78 million in cap space, but the additional $3 million-plus will not be available in the early stages of free agency.