General manager Adam Peters acknowledged that the Washington Commanders needed to prioritize the defensive edge this offseason. The front-office leader was a man of his word, using the legal tampering window to acquire two athletic pass-rushers capable of upgrading the room considerably.
The Commanders agreed to terms with Odafe Oweh on a megabucks contract. That wasn't going to be enough, and Peters knew it. Fortunately, he had another ace up his sleeve with K'Lavon Chaisson, who's cashed in on his breakout with the New England Patriots after agreeing to a one-year, $12 million deal.
This adds an extra sense of dynamism to the mix. And one Patriots expert highlighted just what the former LSU standout could bring to the Commanders in 2026.
Commanders are getting reliability from ascending edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson
Sara Marshall of Musket Fire credited Chaisson for stepping up when New England needed him most. He was initially tabbed for a backup role before injuries struck. The 2020 first-round pick seized the moment, proving his worth as a reliable asset on the right path at long last.
"[K'Lavon] Chaisson was brought in on a one-year prove-it deal, and he put together the best season of his career. He really stepped up to the plate when Harold Landry III, who was signed to be their leading pass rusher, went down with an injury, and proved he could be someone the Patriots can rely on."
It's a short-term commitment for Chaisson. The player is willing to bet on himself in pursuit of a longer, more lucrative commitment this time next year. The Commanders see something in him that could thrive within Daronte Jones' schematic concepts, though his poor start to his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers cannot be overlooked entirely.
Momentum is everything in the NFL. Chaisson began to show signs of life with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024 before reaching a new level entirely in New England. Washington is paying to find out if this is the start of a profitable prime, or whether he's a beneficiary of the Patriots' defensive scheme and a one-season wonder.
Chaisson's arrival adds another layer of intrigue. Oweh was the biggest prize, and Dorance Armstrong Jr. should also play an important role. Drake Jackson and Deatrich Wise Jr. were signed to fortify the rotation, and Javontae Jean-Baptiste is also still around. Washington's defense isn't the finished article yet, but it looks a lot better now.
And if Chaisson continues to build on his recent momentum, this could be a tremendous piece of business for Washington.