Commanders' move nobody is talking about could be their biggest offseason win

Washington’s roster is expected to change significantly for 2026 after a 5-12 season ended Super Bowl hopes. Marshon Lattimore is gone, and several veteran players were not re-signed, including Bobby Wagner, Zach Ertz, Von Miller, and Austin Ekeler. General manager Adam Peters added multiple players under 30, many on multi-year contracts, aiming to build long-term pieces around younger veterans. Only one projected starter from the free agency class was not signed beyond 2026. K’Lavon Chaisson joined Washington after a productive prove-it season with New England, recording 7.5 sacks and career highs. Washington plans to use him in a flex role, alternating between edge rusher and linebacker, where he could become a key defensive contributor.

"Marshon Lattimore is gone. Bobby Wagner, Zach Ertz, Von Miller, and Austin Ekeker have not been brought back. In the meantime, Peters signed a laundry list of new additions, all under 30, many of whom are on multi-year deals. Locking in younger veterans fresh off their rookie contracts as long-term pieces was the strategy the team needed, and Peters delivered. Only one projected starter from Washington's free agency class wasn't signed beyond 2026, and he might just be the most valuable short-term player the Commanders added."

"Last season with the New England Patriots, edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson was on a classic prove-it deal, and he sure did. He recorded 7.5 sacks, nearly doubling his previous career total of 10, and also registered career-highs in quarterback hits and tackles for loss. What did it get him? Another prove-it deal from Washington. Chaisson has now put up solid production for two different teams, the latter of whom he helped reach a Super Bowl."

"He has turned his career around after spending four underwhelming seasons as a first-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars, then being cut in the preseason by the Carolina Panthers in 2024. But for whatever reason, teams still aren't willing to commit to him. In Washington, Chaisson will likely play a flex role in Daronte Jones' defense, alternating between edge rusher and linebacker. He might not start every game, but he will heavily factor into the game plan and has the chance to be one of the most valuable contributors on the Commanders' defense."

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