K’Lavon Chaisson signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots last spring, joining a squad that finished 4-13 and dead last in the AFC East. That’s not where they ended up in 2025.
The Patriots went from worst-to-first during a remarkable transformation that spurned a playoff run all the way the Super Bowl.
It was a learning experience for Chaisson, who had largely played on bad teams. The veteran edge rusher and former first-round NFL draft pick took note of what worked for New England and why,
now bringing that knowledge to the Washington Commanders.
Chaisson joined the burgundy and gold on a one-year, $11 millliion contract following a breakout year with the Patriots. He had a breakout year in New England, hitting career highhs with 7.5 sacks, 18 quarterback hits and two forced fumbles. He kept it rolling in the postseason, with three more sacks and 10 QB hits.
He was brought to Washington to ignite a pass rush that had fallen on hard times. Chaisson believes he can make a profound impact on that effort and the overall defense, and will bring:
“Relentless motor. Excitement. Knowledge. IQ. A sense of urgency,” Chaisson told on-site reporters after Tuesday’s mandatory minicamp practice. “Getting a chance to be part of the big dance last year and knowing the attention to detail that it requires to make it there and to accomplish that goal.”
While many current Commanders reached the conference title game in 2024, Chaisson brings his unique perspective on how to turn things around in a hurry. That’s what the Commanders are looking to do after a 5-12 disappointment last season.
There are subtle things happening even at this early stage that can help achieve lofty goals. And it starts with the little things.
“We had that run, for sure, but we were able to capitalize on mistakes and home in on the small details and focus,” Chaisson said. “That’s all it’s going to be for us to focus on the little things and don’t get bored by the routine. That’s something that we want to apply to our defense, being the same week in and week out, regardless of the results. I’m sure a lot of great things will happen if we do that.”
Chaisson can already see some similarities with this Commanders group and what he went through in New England.
“The excitement, the attention to detail, the urgency of the voluntary workouts, being here when you don’t have to be here,” Chaisson said. “There’s a ‘want to’ here. We’re focused on one goal, to be playing in February. You can see it throughout the building and on the field. Guys are staying late after practice. They’re staying (locked in) in the meeting rooms and in the weight room getting extra work. They’re all good signs that lead to great things.”
