The New England Patriots have agreed to terms on a one-year, five-million-dollar deal with edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The former first-round pick in 2020 is only 25 years old. He is entering his fifth season in the NFL after spending time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Carolina Panthers, and most recently, the Las Vegas Raiders.
Chaisson is coming off the best season of his career with Las Vegas, as he finished with career highs in sacks (five), tackles for loss (seven), and total tackles (32).
With a new regime arriving in Vegas led by newly hired head coach Pete Carroll, Chaisson ends up leaving for another AFC opportunity with New England.
Sep 29, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) and defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) stop Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) in the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Chaisson’s speed off the edge is what set him apart as a fresh face out of LSU. K’Lavon’s speed should be a tremendous complement to recent signing Harold Landry III’s combination of power and finesse on the edge.
Chaisson battled injuries consistently throughout his young career, which is the main reason his numbers may not line up with most edge rushers in a similar position or price point.
Chaisson should provide New England with another option on third-down pass rushes. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is known to play an aggressive, man defense, which could mean more opportunities for Chaisson and the rest of the front seven.
