Mike Vrabel is continuing to bolster his Patriots defensive unit with new additions. According to the NFL Network, the Patriots have agreed to a 1-year deal with edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson, worth up to $5 million. The 25-year-old spent last season with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he recorded five sacks, 32 tackles, eight quarterback hits, and an interception. A former first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Chaisson was selected 20th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, whose head coach at the time was Doug Marrone—now the Patriots’ offensive line coach. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 254 pounds, Chaisson brings size and depth to the Patriots’ outside linebacker position, a role that often sees players deployed on the edges in Vrabel’s defensive scheme, flanking three defensive linemen.
Chaisson becomes the sixth defensive free agent signed by the Patriots this offseason. He joins outside linebacker Harold Landry, defensive tackle Milton Williams, linebacker Robert Spillane, cornerback Carlton Davis, and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga as new pieces in Vrabel’s revamped defense.
Despite being a high draft pick, Chaisson’s career has yet to fully meet expectations. During his four seasons with the Jaguars, he tallied five sacks, 73 tackles, and 23 quarterback hits. His 2022 season was cut short after nine games due to a knee injury. Last year, Chaisson signed with the Carolina Panthers but was released at the end of training camp. He then joined the Raiders’ practice squad before being elevated to the active roster on October 5. In 15 games, Chaisson posted career highs in sacks (5), tackles (32), and notched his first interception. Pro Football Focus awarded him a 74.7 pass rush grade, ranking him 25th out of 109 edge rushers.
In New England, Chaisson will join a group of edge rushers that includes Harold Landry, Anfernee Jennings, and Titus Leo. The Patriots also have defensive ends Keion White and Truman Jones on the roster. The team recently lost defensive end Deatrich Wise, who signed with the Washington Commanders on Wednesday. Wise, along with White, led the Patriots in sacks last season with five each. With Chaisson’s addition, the Patriots gain another veteran presence who matched that sack production in 2023, further strengthening their defensive front.
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