K'Lavon Chaisson Signs One-Year Deal with Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders have signed edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson to a one-year contract worth $12 million, as reported by NFL Network. This move is part of the Commanders' strategy to enhance their pass rush, following the recent acquisition of Odafe Oweh from the Los Angeles Chargers. Chaisson, entering his seventh NFL season, previously played for the New England Patriots, where he had a breakout year in 2025.

K’Lavon Chaisson heads to Washington on a $12 million deal

K'Lavon Chaisson was selected 20th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. His initial four seasons in Jacksonville were underwhelming, with a maximum of only two sacks in any single season. The Jaguars declined his fifth-year option, leading him to join the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024, where he recorded five sacks. In 2025, he signed a one-year deal with the Patriots, which proved pivotal for his career. Chaisson finished that season with 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 18 quarterback hits, contributing significantly to the Patriots' Super Bowl run.

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During the 2025 season, Chaisson's performance peaked in critical moments, particularly in the playoffs where he recorded three sacks and ten quarterback hits across four games. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses was evident, as he achieved a pressure rate of 15.2%. This performance solidified his reputation as a valuable pass rusher, especially in high-stakes situations.

K’Lavon Chaisson heads to Washington on a $12 million deal

Chaisson expressed interest in returning to the Patriots as an unrestricted free agent after the Super Bowl, indicating his desire to continue building on his successful season. However, the opportunity presented by the Commanders was too significant to decline, leading to his decision to join Washington.

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Analysts have noted that Chaisson is primarily a pass rusher rather than a run defender, which may limit his playing time to specific situations. At 255 pounds, he is considered undersized for an edge rusher, raising questions about his effectiveness against larger offensive linemen. This profile suggests that the Commanders may utilize him mainly in passing scenarios rather than as an every-down player.

K’Lavon Chaisson heads to Washington on a $12 million deal

The addition of Chaisson, alongside Oweh, indicates the Commanders' commitment to strengthening their defensive line depth. With veteran Von Miller and edge rusher Dorance Armstrong recovering from injuries, Chaisson's signing fills an immediate need. As he prepares for the upcoming season, Chaisson aims to leverage his recent success to further establish himself in the league.

K’Lavon Chaisson heads to Washington on a $12 million deal

• “K’Lavon Chaisson leaving Patriots for one-year deal with NFC team K’Lavon Chaisson will not be running it back with the New England Patriots in 2026.” — Ian Rapoport, NFL Network

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• “The Commanders ultimately offered him a deal he could not pass up.” — Source from Rolling Out

K’Lavon Chaisson heads to Washington on a $12 million deal

This signing marks a significant step for both Chaisson and the Washington Commanders as they look to enhance their defensive capabilities heading into the 2026 NFL season.

Newsweek