The Washington Commanders took a lot of risks during the offseason. One of those was betting that edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson's breakout with the New England Patriots in 2025 could become something more.
It's early days, but reports suggest this gamble will pay off handsomely.
Chaisson turned down a longer-term commitment from the New Orleans Saints to land in Washington. He signed a one-year, $11 million deal with the Commanders that included a $7 million signing bonus and $10.3 million in guaranteed money. This also gives him the platform for a much bigger payday this time next year.
K'Lavon Chaisson drawing rave reviews from Commanders' brass this offseason
Getting it done in the regular season will be the biggest measuring stick. But for now, the former LSU pass-rusher couldn't have done much more to leave an early mark.
NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo visited the Commanders' facility for the final day of mandatory minicamp. Speaking to those in the building, Chaisson and veteran running back Rachaad White kept coming up in conversations as players ready to help Washington bounce back next season.
This is always the time of year for hype and bold projections. Some become reality, and some don't. However, there is finally some legitimate substance behind Chaisson.
It was a rocky start to his professional career, to put it mildly. The 2020 first-round pick struggled to make an impact with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Chaisson was cut by the Carolina Panthers before playing a competitive game. But after two encouraging campaigns with the Las Vegas Raiders and the Patriots, things are looking up.
Chaisson is not settling, either.
His rollercoaster journey to reach this point should ensure standards remain high for Chaisson. Complacency isn't entering his mindset, and he is hungry for more. This is precisely what the Commanders are looking for from everybody after how things unfolded last season. And the new face is setting a strong tone for others to follow.
It'll be interesting to see how defensive coordinator Daronte Jones utilizes Chaisson. The Commanders also have Odafe Oweh, Dorance Armstrong Jr., Charles Omenihu, and fifth-round rookie Joshua Josephs to depend upon. General manager Adam Peters raised competition for places this offseason, but the North Shore High School graduate is well on track for a pivotal role.
There is a significant incentive for Chaisson.
Perform well, and he can expect a much loftier financial commitment in Washington or elsewhere next season. Anything less, and the Commanders have protected themselves enough to move on from the player when the 2027 offseason arrives.
Chaisson knows how high the stakes are. The initial signs suggest a promising outcome.
Add us as a preferred source on Google