The Patriots are once again adding to their defense. The team has agreed to a contract with edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. It’s a one-year deal worth $5MM.
Chaisson struggled to live up to his first-round billing during his time with the Jaguars, collecting five total sacks through his first four NFL seasons. After having his fifth-year option declined, the pass rusher hit free agency last offseason, when he caught on with the Panthers. He didn’t make it to the regular season with his new squad, but he was quickly scooped up by the Raiders.
The 25-year-old ended up having the most productive season of his career in Las Vegas. Chaisson started four of his 15 appearances in 2024, finishing with 32 tackles, five sacks, and eight QB hits. Pro Football Focus graded him 64th among 119 qualifying edge defenders, although the site did give him the 27th-best positional grade for his pass-rushing ability.
Mike Vrabel and the Patriots have been busy using their league-leading cap space to help improve the defense. The team’s already invested in the likes of Milton Williams, Carlton Davis, Harold Landry, and Robert Spillane, who was teammates with Chaisson in Las Vegas.
The newest addition won’t be as counted on as those other signings. Still, he’ll join an increasingly impressive pass-rushing corps that also includes the likes of Christian Barmore and Keion White.