K’Lavon Chaisson Aims to Be ‘Missing Piece’ for Commanders

K’Lavon Chaisson signed a one-year, $11 million contract with the Washington Commanders, which he views as a chance to win a Super Bowl.

K’Lavon Chaisson Aims to Be ‘Missing Piece’ for Commanders

K’Lavon Chaisson (Image via IMAGO)

In Short
  • K’Lavon Chaisson has joined the Washington Commanders on a one-year extension after a successful season with the New England Patriots.
  • He aims to be a key contributor to the Commanders' defense, viewing himself as the "missing piece" in their rebuilding efforts.
  • Chaisson has a strong track record of health and performance, with notable statistics from his previous NFL seasons, including significant pressures and tackles.

K’Lavon Chaisson is a well-traveled defensive end. The defensive end has already been part of four different NFL rosters and recently added a sixth to his ever-growing list.

Chaisson started for the New England Patriots’ defense in 2025, appearing in all but one game. He recorded 31 combined tackles, 7.5 sacks, 10 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 touchdown.

The Patriots ranked as the eighth-best defense in the league. On average, they allowed 295.2 yards per game and conceded just 38 touchdowns all year. The defense did its job, but the offense, led by second-year quarterback Drake Maye, defeated tough teams like the Rams, Texans, and Bills to get to the Super Bowl.

The Seattle Seahawks stood in the Patriots’ way of winning a record seventh Lombardi Trophy. Chaisson and, to an extent, the Patriots’ defense struggled to deal with the Seahawks. Even though cornerback Christian Gonzalez saved two certain touchdowns in the game, Seattle still won 29-13. Chaisson only managed one tackle in four quarters of football.

Following the defeat, there were fleeting rumors that New England might extend Chaisson’s stay. But on March 13, the 26-year-old agreed to a one-year extension with the Washington Commanders.

Speaking with Bryan Colbert on the Commanders’ YouTube channel, Chaisson made it clear that he views this as a great opportunity for him to accomplish his unfinished goal of winning a ring.

It’s huge, man, a huge [opportunity]…  Getting a chance to be a part of [the Commanders] and continue the rebuilding phase, but honestly, I’d say put the final touches on something that has already been progressing. I want to continue to be that guy, to be that missing piece that can send us on the right trajectory.

K’Lavon Chaisson’s comments about his playing style are sure to excite the Commanders fans

The best part about Chaisson is his ability to stay healthy throughout the season. He has not suffered a major injury since hurting his knee all the way back in 2022 when he played for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

K’Lavon Chaisson Aims to Be ‘Missing Piece’ for Commanders
K’Lavon Chaisson (Image via Sports Illustrated)

In four years with the Jags, he played in 57 games, with his best numbers coming in 2021 when he tallied 31 tackles, 3 TFLs, and one sack. Ahead of the 2024 season, he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he recorded 32 tackles, 13 TFLs, 5 sacks, 2 pass deflections, and one interception in 15 games.

With the Patriots, Chaisson had 52 quarterback pressures, which is more than anyone else on the Commanders managed last year, according to Next Gen Stats.

When asked about how he plans to handle the opposing offenses as part of the Commanders, Chaisson claimed he is willing to give his 110%. He said:

You’ve got to decide to block me all four quarters [of the game], and that’s my favorite part about it. I’m willing to take it to a fifth quarter if it has to go there. I like that part about it. I never quit; I can go all day long. The mindset and the energy that I play with, it’s now or never for me.

Chaisson has a great chance of starting in week one, as the Commanders are still not sure how long it will take for Dorance Armstrong to make a full recovery from his ACL tear. If that’s the case, then Chaisson is likely to play alongside two former Chiefs DEs, Charles Omenihu and Leo Chenal. They also poached Odafe Oweh from the Chargers.

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