The New England Patriots are in decent shape entering free agency, as there seems to be mutual interest between the organization and all of its internal free agents.
It’s just not that easy…
If the club intends on truly getting over the hump, difficult decisions will need to be made regarding some of those players — with perhaps the most difficult one coming in the form of K’Lavon Chaisson.
Do you reward his career year? What will his market look like? Will upgrades make themselves available?
Let's take a look!
Bio:
K’Lavon Chaisson
Position: EDGE
Height: 6’ 3”
Weight: 255lbs
Age: 26 (July 25, 1999)
2025: 20 G, 10.5 SACKS, 3 FF, 14 TFL, 28 QB HITS
The Patriots should bring back K’Lavon Chaisson because:
If you’re not going to reward this guy for going above and beyond expectations, then who will you reward?
Chaisson has slowly started to reach the potential that made him a first-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, as he will enter free agency after quadrupling his career sack total (20.5) across the last two seasons while also turning in one of the most productive postseasons in football with his 3.5 sacks and 4.0 tackles for loss during New England’s run to Super Bowl LX.
Chaisson also made it clear he’d like to stay.
“Man, this organization, the city, everything’s been amazing,” Chaisson said while cleaning out his locker Wednesday, per Boston Globe Media. “I feel like anybody who got a chance to experience this wouldn’t want to leave. And I’m appreciative to be a part of it.”
New England likely won’t receive much of a hometown discount, but might not have to pay the full going rate for an above-average pass-rusher who can play two-thirds of its defensive snaps. It’s ultimately a matter of weighing cost versus production, and few players on the open market would give you a better bang for your buck.
The Patriots should not bring back K’Lavon Chaisson because:
It’s starting to feel like the stars are aligning for this organization to make a splash…
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby is seemingly looking for a way out of his current situation, and very few clubs can afford what it will take to obtain his services. Miami Dolphins defensive end Bradley Chubb will soon be released. Trey Hendrickson, Odafe Oweh, Jaelan Phillips, Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa and Von Miller are all free agents.
If you can sign one of those guys, you do it.
The Patriots can not only use someone with game-changing talent that can play on all three downs, but perhaps a situational pass-rusher to give that group some extra juice alongside the likes of Milton Williams, Christian Barmore and a (hopefully) healthy Harold Landry III.
Chaisson returning would lower the ceiling of what is currently possible, so as things currently stand, he should be put on the back burner. If they can't bring in anyone who would serve as a significant upgrade, just circle back.
Prediction:
K'Lavon Chaisson signs with the San Francisco 49ers.
It’s an interesting year for those who need pass-rush help, because they’ll all be competing with San Francisco — who have $26 million to spend in 2026 and finished with just 20 sacks in 2025.
The 49ers really just need to get healthy, but could also use some extra juice on the edge. The Patriots, on the other hand, should be swinging for the fences.
More NFL: Patriots' Offseason Checklist: Fix These 5 Things and They're Right Back