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Patriots Sign Former First-Round Pick K'Lavon Chaisson to One-Year Deal

New England is loading up on defense in free agency.
Chaisson was drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft.
Chaisson was drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots made yet another defensive signing on Thursday evening, reportedly agreeing to terms with linebacker/edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson.

It's a one-year, $5 million deal according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, with ESPN's Mike Reiss adding that the base value of the deal is expected to come in at closer to $3 million.

Chaisson was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft. But after four up-and-down years in Duval County, he was not re-signed and became a free agent last March.

Following a short stint with the Carolina Panthers last offseason, he was signed to the Las Vegas Raiders' practice squad in September before being promoted to the active roster in October. Chaisson went on to have a breakout year, tallying career-highs in sacks (5), tackles (32), tackles for loss (7), pass deflections (2), and interceptions (1).

Still just 25 years old, he now joins a Patriots team—led by a defensive head coach in Mike Vrabel—that recently signed defenders Harold Landry IIIRobert Spillane, Carlton Davis III, and Milton Williams. Chaisson should benefit from a suddenly loaded front in New England.


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 Mike Kadlick
MICHAEL KADLICK

Mike Kadlick is a senior NFL news writer for Sports Illustrated. He’s also a New England Patriots reporter for CLNS Media, where he hosts the Patriots Daily podcast and covers the beat from Gillette Stadium. Before joining SI, Kadlick worked at WEEI sports radio in Boston. He holds a master’s degree in public relations from Boston University. When Kadlick’s not covering football, he can be found running, spending time with his wife and dog, and enjoying all things pizza.