The Chicago Bears are parting ways with veteran offensive tackle Charles Leno Jr.
The Bears are releasing Leno with the idea second-round draft pick Teven Jenkins could take his place at left tackle. Leno had been Chicago's starter at that spot for each of the past seven seasons:
The #Bears will be releasing LT Charles Leno, source said, their starter the last seven seasons. A surprise move. Chicago drafted OK St’s Teven Jenkins in the second round and plans to play him on the left side. Leno now available for LT-needy teams.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 3, 2021
The move would seem to make sense as a means of cutting costs, particularly with the Bears seemingly handing the reins to Jenkins right from the jump. Leno had been a productive starter in Chicago, but he understands the move:
2014 7th round draft pick 👉🏾 93 consecutive starts in the past 7 seasons with the team that I was drafted to.
My time in Chicago has officially come to an end. It’s a bittersweet day but I am excited to see where this next chapter takes me. pic.twitter.com/XJbJbop1kD
— Charles Leno Jr (@charleslenojr72) May 3, 2021
I will always be rooting for the young guys to succeed in the league. That was me years ago. This is just part of the business. Thanks Bears fans ✊🏾
— Charles Leno Jr (@charleslenojr72) May 3, 2021
Leno finished the 2020 season with a 74.6 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus. It was a drastic improvement from the 2019 campaign, when he recorded a 58.6 overall grade. The Oakland native is entering his age-30 season and might suddenly find himself in high demand with teams looking for post-draft upgrades.
Meanwhile, the Bears will hope Jenkins is the real deal.
Chicago traded up nine spots to select Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields with the No. 11 overall pick last week. General manager Ryan Pace also moved up in the second round in order to select Jenkins.
The former Oklahoma State standout recorded a 92.0 overall grade in 2020, per PFF. Jenkins did not allow a single sack in either of the past two seasons, also allowing just two quarterback hits and nine hurries. He should have every chance to win the starting LT job in training camp.
Chicago needs protection up front as it prepares for either Andy Dalton or Fields to get the majority of the snaps under center. Jenkins should play a huge role in that regard after the Bears released Leno.
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