K’Lavon Chaisson has been considered a draft bust throughout his NFL career — until now.
The Jaguars selected Chaisson with the 20th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. After four underwhelming seasons (five sacks in 57 games), Jacksonville opted against re-signing Chaisson, who then joined the Carolina Panthers, who eventually released him before he joined the Raiders’ practice squad.
The veteran edge rusher showed improvement in 2024 — five sacks in 15 games — but it wasn’t enough to convince Las Vegas to re-sign him during the offseason. The Patriots then swooped in with a one-year, $5 million contract — and Chaisson has been worth every penny.
In 16 games this season, Chaisson posted career highs in sacks (7.5), tackles for loss (10), quarterback hits (18), forced fumbles (two) and pass breakups (two). He also stepped up in playoff wins over the Los Angeles Chargers and Houston, totaling three sacks and seven QB hits.
Chaisson’s success prompted an interesting post from former NFL player Bucky Brooks, who’s also worked as a scout and leading draft expert.
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“K’Lavon Chassion is the perfect example of why scheme and environment matters for players, particularly 1st rounders,” Brooks wrote in an X post on Sunday. “He looks like a completely different player with the Patriots than his early years with the Jags. Energy, effort and skills have improved in NE.”
Chaisson now looks like a prime extension candidate for the Patriots, who’ll enter the offseason with clear pass-rushing needs.
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We’ll have to wait and see whether the two sides can agree on a new deal. For now, Chaisson and the Patriots are focused on Sunday’s AFC Championship Game matchup with the Broncos in Denver.
Featured image via Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn Images
