K'Lavon Chaisson
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Commanders edge rusher prepares for a 2025, as a menber of the New England Patriots.
The Washington Commanders needed more than a splashy deal to fix their pass rush issues. By signing veteran K’ Lavon Chaisson, the team added a starter who fits well with the current depth. ESPN’s Seth Walder awarded the franchise a B+, citing several reasons.
“After managing only 10 total sacks over the first five seasons of his career, Chaisson broke out with 7.5 sacks last season with the Patriots. His pass rush win rate at edge was in the 61st percentile, while his pressure rate was a bit lower (39th percentile). He doesn’t offer that much in the run game, so the Commanders are betting that his 2025 pass-rush performance continues.”
A former first-round pick by Jacksonville, Chaisson revived his career in Las Vegas. When New England offered a one-year deal, the LSU product flourished, showing the steady flashes Jacksonville wanted to see in his rookie year.
The win rate matters because it shows that Chaisson continues to whiff on tackles. In all honesty, he will never win with power or a standard bull rush. That is not the foundation of his approach. Instead, he relies on flexibility and quick feet to sell the outside move. From there, with his speed, Chaisson can cut inside or slip back to the tackle’s outside shoulder.
The Commanders, as a team, will benefit from his presence. Additionally, individual defenders should be pleased that the team signed another credible edge threat.
K'Lavon Chaisson
GettyNew Commanders outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson.
Adam Peters Changes Rush Composition With Multiple Moves
The main focus of the pass rush was signing Odafe Oweh to a $100 million contract. However, the Commanders’ general manager also made smaller deals to provide a counterbalance to Oweh, including signing veteran players and re-signing key contributors to ensure a well-rounded defensive line.
By bringing back Deatrich Wise, Peters aimed to establish solid depth. Injuries remain a significant part of the game, making the concept of “next man up” a reality. Additionally, with the No. 7 pick, the team can still address edge help, which could move Chaisson into a situational pass rusher role. If the Commanders do not address the pass rush in the first round, Chaisson becomes the instant starter.
K'Lavon Chaisson
GettyK’Lavon Chaisson sacks Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
Chaisson Overcame Multiple Setbacks to Get to the League
The Commanders signed Chaisson to set the edge and close on the quarterback. However, his toughest battles occurred off the field. Before he graduated from high school, Chaisson’s father, Kelvin, was murdered by his girlfriend during an argument. At LSU, he tore his ACL, putting his football career in doubt.
K’Lavon Chaisson sack pic.twitter.com/GCPIo66wyN
— Danielle Hobeika (@DanielleHobeika) February 9, 2026
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Yet, he persevered. At Jacksonville, his career stalled early. Doug Marrone led the team to a 1-15 record before Urban Meyer took over. During that time, Meyer stayed behind from a road trip to socialize at a bar with women who were not his wife, and he also physically abused players. At that point, Chaisson became a situational pass rusher. In 57 games played for the Jaguars, the newest Commanders rusher started only 11.
K’Lavon Chaisson gets a quick sack and the #Patriots defense forces a three-and-out!
Starting out fast! 🔥pic.twitter.com/aCb7ICokjV
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) November 2, 2025
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Fitting In Could Mean Standing Out
With the Commanders, Chaisson does not need to be the focal point of the defense. In fact, simply rushing the passer as he did in New England would be valuable. Can he continue his upward trajectory in the nation’s capital?