2019 National Champion Linebacker Signs Deal with the Washington Commanders

26-year-old linebacker and 2019 National Champion from the LSU Tigers, K'Lavon Chaisson, arguably had the best season of his NFL career with the New England Patriots in 2025. His impact and leadership helped the defense grow to an elite level, so much so that the Patriots finished with a 14-3 record and made it all the way to Super Bowl LX, where they lost to the Seattle Seahawks 29-13. Under head coach Mike Vrabel, Chaisson found his footing and became a key contributor on the defensive end. Now, a free agent, it’s been reported by Ian Rapoport that the 2019 National Champion linebacker has signed a one-year, $12 million deal with the Washington Commanders.

With the LSU Tigers, Chaisson was named the Defensive MVP in the 2019 Peach Bowl by recording six tackles and two sacks. Then, in the 2020 National Championship Game against Clemson, the 26-year-old had two tackles in the 42-25 win. Chaisson announced he would forgo his remaining two years of eligibility and enter the 2020 NFL Draft, where the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted him with the 20th pick. He would spend four seasons in Jacksonville as the Jaguars declined Chaisson’s fifth-year option on his rookie contract. In the 2024 offseason, the 26-year-old signed with the Carolina Panthers; however, months later, the Panthers would release him. A week later, after Carolina released the 2019 National Champion, the Las Vegas Raiders signed him to a one-year deal. One year later, he would sign with the Patriots. 

This past season, Chaisson played in 16 games. He recorded 31 combined tackles, 18 solo and 13 assisted. The 26-year-old also had 10 tackles for a loss of yardage in addition to seven and a half sacks, two pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. In Week Seven, the 2019 National Champion had three tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss of yardage, and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown, the first of his career, in a 31-13 win over the Tennessee Titans. This effort earned him the AFC Defensive Player of the Week Award. During the 2025 NFL Playoffs, he had 12 combined tackles, four tackles for a loss of yardage, three sacks, and a pass deflection. With the Washington Commanders, Chaisson will look to continue his success and find his way into his first Pro Bowl.