Commanders Sign K’Lavon Chaisson, Add Leo Chenal in Major Defensive Boost

The Commanders continued their aggressive start to free agency Wednesday, adding two linebackers who bring very different strengths to a defense that badly needed help.

Washington agreed to sign edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson and off-ball linebacker Leo Chenal, according to multiple outlets. The moves give Washington two new pieces in the front seven as the organization works to reshape one of the NFL’s weakest defensive units from a year ago.

For a team that spent the early part of free agency investing heavily in defense, adding both players represents another clear signal that general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn are prioritizing speed, versatility and pass rush, and may signal what direciton the team may lean towards as eyes turn to the NFL Draft.

Chaisson Brings Pass Rush Value to Washington

Chaisson arrives on a one-year contract worth $12 million, including $10.3 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The 26-year-old is coming off the most productive season of his career with the New England Patriots, recording 7.5 sacks in the regular season while helping the team win the AFC East.

He added three more sacks during New England’s playoff run to the Super Bowl, showing the type of disruptive edge presence Washington has been searching for.

Originally selected 20th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chaisson struggled early in his career to turn his athletic traits into consistent production. He recorded five sacks across four seasons in Jacksonville before beginning to find his footing with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024, when he again totaled five sacks.

Last season with New England suggested his development is finally catching up with the physical tools that made him a first-round pick.

For Washington, Chaisson provides another option off the edge after the team already agreed earlier this week to a four-year, $100 million deal with pass rusher Odafe Oweh. The pairing should give Quinn greater flexibility when building pressure packages.

Chenal Adds Physical Presence at Linebacker

While Chaisson strengthens the pass rush, Chenal addresses another need in the middle of the defense.

The 25-year-old agreed to a three-year contract worth $24.75 million, according to multiple reports.

A former third-round pick out of Wisconsin, Chenal spent the first four seasons of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he carved out a role as a versatile linebacker capable of defending the run, blitzing and contributing on special teams.

He also brings championship experience. Chenal was part of Kansas City’s Super Bowl-winning team during the 2023 season, giving Washington another player who has played meaningful snaps in high-pressure situations.

Known for his downhill style and physical tackling, Chenal posted a 75.1 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus last season, reflecting his impact against both the run and the pass.

That physicality should help stabilize a linebacker group that struggled with consistency last season.

Defense Remains the Priority in Washington

The addition of Chaisson and Chenal continues a broader defensive overhaul in Washington.

Earlier in the week, the Commanders also agreed to terms with cornerback Amik Robertson while re-signing backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, who provides continuity behind franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels.

According to reporting from The Associated Press, Washington has committed more than $150 million in salary during the opening days of free agency.

The message from the front office has been clear.

After finishing near the bottom of the league defensively last season, improving the front seven has become a major priority. Adding Chaisson’s pass-rush ability and Chenal’s physical presence gives Quinn two new building blocks as Washington attempts to reshape its defense heading into the 2026 season.

Free agency is only the first step. The Commanders still hold significant draft capital value in the first round and could continue adding defensive talent in April. For now, however, the linebacker room — and the defense as a whole — looks noticeably deeper than it did just a few days ago.