Washington Commanders to sign edge rusher Chaisson to one-year, $12M deal
The Commanders’ defensive overhaul continued Wednesday. The franchise signed former New England Patriots edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson to a one-year deal worth $12 million, according to multiple reports.
Chaisson is in the middle of a resurgence after a slow start to his NFL career. The 26-year-old recorded a career-high seven sacks for New England last season with 10 tackles for loss and a pair of forced fumbles.
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Chaisson in the first round of the 2020 draft. He never fulfilled the expectations associated with his draft slot in Jacksonville, recording just five sacks in four seasons.
But the LSU product has set new career-best sack totals in each of the last two years, first for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024 before joining the Patriots last season. His new contract — another one-year deal that will allow him to test free agency again next offseason — is his biggest yet by yearly salary.
Chaisson is the second edge rusher expected to sign with Washington when the new league year begins at 4 p.m. Wednesday. The Commanders had already reached a four-year, $100 million deal with former Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher Odafe Oweh.
The pass rush was a weak spot on Washington’s defense last season. Von Miller, 36, led the team with nine sacks. Coach Dan Quinn, general manager Adam Peters and new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones all said they were looking to add defenders who were younger and faster during the offseason.