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Patriots Writer Projects Market Value For Free Agent K'Lavon Chaisson originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
K'Lavon Chaisson should fare better in his return to free agency.
The New England Patriots signed Chaisson to a one-year, $3 million deal as part of last offseason's massive defensive overhaul. The linebacker gave the AFC champions their money's worth and then some, tallying a career-high 7.5 sacks before adding three more in the playoffs.
That production should bolster Chaisson's earnings in 2026. Per ESPN's Mike Reiss, two NFL executives projected the 26-year-old to earn $8 million to $11 million on the open market.
Chaisson compiled five sacks across four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars before going to the Las Vegas Raiders on a one-year, $1.125 million contract in 2024. He landed a bigger deal from New England after amassing five sacks, a forced fumble and an interception.
The former first-round pick took another step forward last season, forcing four fumbles and returning one for a touchdown. Chaisson played a pivotal role in New England's Super Bowl run, recording 10 quarterback hits and four tackles for a loss in four postseason contests.
Chaisson joins Jaylinn Hawkins and Khyiris Tonga among last year's acquisitions who can parlay a strong season into a hefty free-agent payday. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged the inevitability of losing some contributors this offseason.
"Would love to have them all back, but we know that that's not always the case in the National Football League," Vrabel said on Wednesday. "So we'll see where those conversations go."
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