The Washington Commanders attacked this offseason, knowing they had some big holes to fill.
The defense simply wasn't good enough in 2025, so the team made some big changes. The edge rusher group, in particular, saw some major changes.
Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson were added in free agency, and Joshua Josephs was added in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team did not get nearly enough production from its edge rushers in 2025, so the hope is that new blood will transform the unit.
Chaisson and Oweh both racked up 7.5 sacks each last season on their respective teams. Ahead of Week 1, Chaisson spoke about his excitement to play alongside Oweh.
“Man, I think the speed, the ferociousness, and just the tenacity that we play with, there have been times where
we are rushing, and we are smack-dead in each other’s face, like, ‘How the hell did you get here?” Chaisson explained.
Get ready for this K'Lavon Chaisson and Odafe Oweh pairing on this Commanders D-Line.
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) September 9, 2026
On how they compliment each other on the field, K'Lavon told me, "there have been times where we are rushing and we are smack dead in each other's face and be like "how the hell you get here?" pic.twitter.com/abPLlHVth6
"It’s a real pleasure to play with a talent like that,” Chaisson said of Oweh. “We see the game the same, being able to play off each other’s strengths... And I’m excited to go out there Sunday and play ball.”
If Chaisson and Oweh play up to their potential, the Commanders’ pass rush will undoubtedly be much better in 2026. Plus, the team will have the rookie Josephs and Javontae Jean-Baptiste to rotate in, as well as Dorance Armstrong once he gets back from suspension.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' new edge rush pairing could wreak havoc in 2026
