FOXBOROUGH – A year ago, K’Lavon Chaisson was surprised to be on an NFL practice squad. That’s why the former first-round pick is so appreciative of where he is today with the Patriots.
This season, Chaisson has started every game for the Patriots’ defense. This marks the first time in his career that he’s started the first four games of a season. For the 26-year-old, it means even more, considering what he went through last season.
After signing with the Carolina Panthers in 2024, Chaisson was cut at the end of training camp. He ended up signing with the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad and finished the year on their 53-man roster.
Last season, Chaisson started four of 15 games played for the Raiders. Now with the Patriots, he’s a full-time starter and is enjoying every minute of it.
“Super. Super (appreciative). You can’t take these moments for granted,” Chaisson told MassLive. “I can honestly tell you that I was a part of something that I never thought I’d be a part of when it came to being on somebody’s cut list. So, moving forward, I make sure I cherish every moment, and I put into everything that I can in this game.”
After being cut by the Panthers, Chaisson proved people wrong. Last season, he finished with a career-high five sacks, which came in the final six games. This offseason, the Patriots signed him to a one-year, $5 million contract.
This offseason, Chaisson earned a starting role on the Patriots defensive line as an edge rusher opposite Harold Landry. In four games, he has 2.5 sacks, nine tackles, and five quarterback hits. Chaisson also had a sack last week against the Panthers, the team that released him a year ago.
Chaisson came into the NFL as a first-round pick with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020. Now in his sixth season, the edge rusher is living up to those expectations.
“Super appreciative and grateful for the opportunity for sure. Never take it for granted,” Chaisson said. “I appreciate the journey of this sport in general. I know how hard it is to be in the NFL. I know how hard it is to be an NFL starter. I don’t take it for granted at all.”
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