Patriots Reportedly Will Sign Edge Rusher Coming Off Career Season

The New England Patriots already scooped up one former Las Vegas Raiders defender in free agency when they signed linebacker Robert Spillane.

And on Thursday, the Patriots reportedly claimed another former Raider to be a part of their defensive unit.

According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots are going to sign edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson to a one-year deal worth $5 million. Chaisson is another addition to New England’s revamped defense as the Patriots already added Milton Williams, Carlton Davis, Khyiris Tonga and Harold Landry this week.

Chaisson never lived up to the status of being a first-round pick over four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars selected the LSU product with the 20th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

But Chaisson finally found his footing last season with the Las Vegas Raiders last season. The 6-foot-3, 253-pounder registered a career-high five sacks, which matched his entire total from his time with the Jaguars. Chaisson also contributed 32 tackles — a career-best mark as well — and two passes defended with the Raiders.

The 25-year-old brings a blend of size and athleticism to New England’s front seven, something that’s needed after the unit recorded the fewest sacks in the NFL last season. Chaisson’s speed coming off the edge should play well in Mike Vrabel and Terell Williams’ defensive scheme as the Patriots looked to get faster on that side of the football this offseason and move away from players like Deatrich Wise Jr., who reportedly signed with the Washington Commanders in free agency.

Chaisson does have a previous connection to the Patriots coaching staff. Doug Marrone, who is New England’s offense line coach, was Jacksonville’s head coach during Chaisson’s rookie season.