As the Patriots continue their organized team activities (OTAs) over the next week, the new regime led by Mike Vrabel will get a good look at the improved roster they have put together this offseason. It will be the first time seeing most of the new players in New England and how they gel together, some of whom will need standout performances throughout the rest of the offseason to make the 2025 roster.
Although some positions remain vulnerable and could use more upgrades, which is likely since the Patriots still have over $67 million in cap space, that doesn't mean those currently on the roster are safe from being cut, not even players who were signed since Vrabel took over. One of the leading names with the foggiest future in Foxboro is K'Lavon Chaisson.
The pass rusher, who played with the Raiders, is connected to returning offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and is a big reason for the one-year, $3 million deal he received from the Patriots. Although they weren't in Las Vegas at the same time, McDaniels' connections to the team provided intel on Chaisson and were presumably part of the reason he joined the Patriots.
He helps fill a weak spot on the defense that still needs to be addressed, but it's far from certain that he will be on the team come Week 1. However, his name remains part of the likeliest cuts before the season begins, which isn't a great sign for his Patriots tenure.
K'Lavon Chaisson's NFL future might not be with the Patriots in 2025
The Patriots' offense has dominated much of the discussion this offseason, as the part of the team that needed the most upgrading. Now that they have a crowded receiving corps and more competition on the offensive line, it has prompted speculation about who will and won't make the final roster.
While that might be the more dynamic conversation, there is still plenty surrounding the potential futures of players like Chaisson on the defense.
The former first-rounder has not lived up to his draft status since entering the league in 2020. The high praise he had coming out of LSU was not been seen on the field during his four years with the Jaguars. He did have a career year with the Raiders in 2024, as he recorded 32 combined tackles, seven for a loss, eight quarterback hits, an interception, one forced fumble, and five sacks.
Given that he looked improved last year and is only 25 years old, it makes sense that Vrabel and Co. believed he was worth taking a chance on with a cheaper contract and a high upside. The problem is that he has a lot of competition on the defensive line and will need to impress this summer to secure a spot on the roster.
He has a big opportunity to lock it down early if he can show what he's capable of quickly in the offseason, but because of his forgettable career thus far, the expectations are low. The stakes are high, prompting many to suggest he's an easy name to put on the chopping block, especially with additions like Harold Landry III and Bradyn Swinson through the draft.
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