Hogs Haven
Editor’s note: Each day, Hogs Haven compiles a collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, with a sprinkling of other stuff. Enjoy!
Commanders Roundtable
Chaisson [is potentially] the most underrated defensive addition in 2026. The veteran pass rusher also turned down a chance at a longer deal and more security to sign with Washington, a team he believed was capable of making a postseason run. Yet for a defense that struggled to generate pressure, Chaisson is a big part of what Washington needs to do better in 2026 where he has a chance to capitalize if near-$100 million addition Odafe Oweh draws increased attention opposite of him. While Oweh adds a long-term piece, Chaisson has a chance to prove himself after a career season with the New England Patriots in 2025.
Chaisson played at least 66% of the Patriots’ defensive snaps from weeks nine through 16, totaling a pair of sacks, four TFLs, one pass deflection and a pair of forced fumbles during that span. He also registered an impressive average of 2.87 seconds time to pressure where he thrived as a quick twitch edge rusher.
That’s the role that Chaisson will look to thrive in with the Commanders, opting for the one-year deal in Washington with a chance to prove himself for a third consecutive season.
Last Man Standig (paywall)
[S]igning the point-of-attack defender to a three-year, $24.75 million contract in March checked off an inordinate number of boxes for a team seeking a makeover after ranking last in yards allowed per game.
Chenal, a member of Super Bowl championship teams in 2022 and 2023, never quite settled into a full-time defensive role with Kansas City. He topped 50 percent of the defensive snaps only once in four seasons despite appearing in 65 of 68 regular-season games. He missed the final three contests last season with a shoulder injury.
The opportunity for more work played a factor in choosing Washington among his free-agent options, Chenal said, as did joining first-year coordinator Daronte Jones’ “linebacker-friendly” scheme from his time with the Minnesota Vikings.
Chenal’s effectiveness as a blitzer (three sacks in 2025) and against the run takes minimal imagination. Pass defense isn’t an obvious strong suit; the NFL.com draft profile warned of agility and lateral movement concerns due to his “tightly-bound” physique.
For more from Ben Standig, click here
The Athletic (paywall)
Will a portion of the offensive concepts run under Kliff Kingsbury that will still be featured in the new offense?
Yes, though it may be most noticeable in two-minute situations, when the Commanders go up-tempo. Blough has said his offense...
