The Washington Commanders are focusing on defense this offseason. Shortly after signing linebacker Leo Chenal to a multi-year deal, they added to their front seven by bringing in former New England Patriots edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson on a one-year, $12 million contract.
Commanders Sign K’Lavon Chaisson After His Breakout Year With Patriots
This move gives the Commanders another pass rusher as they work to reshape their defense for the 2026 season.
Sources: #Patriots edge K’Lavon Chaisson is signing with the #Commanders. Another edge for Washington.
The deal is for 1-year and $12M and was done by David Mulugheta of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/nU787oMwAj
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2026
Last season, the Commanders ranked third-worst in defensive impact score per PFSN’s Defensive Impact Metric. The Commanders needed to fill a hole at linebacker.
The 26-year-old edge rusher is coming off the best season of his NFL career. Chaisson joined the Patriots on a one-year deal last offseason and quickly had a career year. He played a big part in New England’s defense during their Super Bowl run, finally showing the pass-rushing skills teams had expected since he entered the league.
During the 2025 season and playoffs, Chaisson had 43 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 28 quarterback hits, and three forced fumbles. His speed and steady effort made him a key player in Mike Vrabel’s defense.
Chaisson was a first-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2020 NFL Draft, but he struggled early in his career. He managed only five sacks in four seasons with Jacksonville before improving during his time with the Las Vegas Raiders.
His strong year in New England changed how people viewed his career and made him one of the more interesting edge rushers in free agency. Now, he has another chance with the Commanders. Before signing Chaisson, the Commanders had already made a big move by bringing in linebacker Leo Chenal.
Chenal signed a three-year, $24.75 million contract, adding another physical player to the middle of their defense. The deal averages $8.25 million per year and lasts through the 2028 season.
Last season, Chenal ranked 50th in PFSN’s LB Impact Metric with an impact score of 70.8. Wagner was outstanding for the Commanders at times, but was often a target in coverage by opposing offenses because of his age. Therefore, Chenal’s younger legs will be an asset that the Commanders’ defense will love to have.
Chenal started his career on a four-year rookie contract worth just over $5 million after being drafted in 2022. His growth over the past few seasons helped him earn a big pay raise this offseason.
With both Chenal and Chaisson joining the defense, the Commanders have quickly made their front seven stronger early in free agency. The momentum from his breakout year in New England, the Commanders may have found one of the more impactful defensive additions of the offseason.
