What Happened to K'Lavon Chaisson?
K'Lavon Chaisson is an American professional football linebacker who was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. After stints with the Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders, he revitalized his career with the New England Patriots in 2025, achieving career-highs in sacks and pressures. As of March 2026, Chaisson is an unrestricted free agent, with his future in New England uncertain following other team acquisitions.
Quick Answer
K'Lavon Chaisson is currently an unrestricted free agent in the NFL as of March 11, 2026. After being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020 and playing for the Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders in 2024, he signed with the New England Patriots in 2025, where he had a career-best season with 7.5 sacks and contributed to their Super Bowl LX appearance. While the Patriots value his performance, their recent signing of Dre'Mont Jones and Chaisson's rising market value make his return to New England less certain.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Houston, Texas
K'Lavon Chaisson was born in Houston, Texas.
Enrolls at LSU
Chaisson began his college football career at Louisiana State University (LSU).
CFP National Champion & First-team All-SEC
Chaisson helped LSU win the College Football Playoff National Championship and was named First-team All-SEC.
Declares for NFL Draft
Chaisson announced he would forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the 2020 NFL Draft.
Drafted by Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected K'Lavon Chaisson as the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Jaguars Decline Fifth-Year Option
The Jaguars declined the fifth-year option on Chaisson's rookie contract, making him a free agent in 2024.
Signs with Carolina Panthers
Chaisson signed with the Carolina Panthers as an unrestricted free agent.
Released by Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers released Chaisson before the start of the regular season.
Signs with Las Vegas Raiders Practice Squad
Chaisson joined the Las Vegas Raiders' practice squad, later being elevated and signed to the active roster.
Signs with New England Patriots
Chaisson signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the New England Patriots, beginning a career resurgence.
AFC Defensive Player of the Week
Chaisson earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for a two-sack, fumble recovery touchdown performance against the Tennessee Titans.
Playoff Start with Patriots
Chaisson made his first playoff start with the Patriots against the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card round, recording two sacks.
Appears in Super Bowl LX
Chaisson was part of the New England Patriots team that played in Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks.
Projected Free Agent Priority for Patriots
Reports indicate Chaisson is a high priority for the Patriots in free agency, with his market value projected at $9 million per season.
Patriots Sign Dre'Mont Jones, Impacts Chaisson's Future
The New England Patriots signed defensive lineman Dre'Mont Jones, which is seen as potentially reducing the likelihood of Chaisson's return, though he remains a valuable free agent.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
K'Lavon Chaisson's journey in the NFL has been one of high expectations, initial struggles, and a recent resurgence. Drafted 20th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2020 NFL Draft after a standout college career at LSU, where he won a CFP National Championship and was named First-team All-SEC, Chaisson was expected to be a cornerstone pass-rusher. However, his four seasons with the Jaguars (2020-2023) saw him record only five sacks, and the team ultimately declined the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, making him a free agent in 2024.
Following his departure from Jacksonville, Chaisson signed with the Carolina Panthers in March 2024 but was released before the regular season began in September 2024. He quickly found a new home with the Las Vegas Raiders, initially joining their practice squad before being elevated and eventually signed to their 53-man roster during the 2024 season. This period marked a turning point, as he began to show flashes of his potential as a rotational pass-rusher, recording five sacks and 29 pressures in 15 games with the Raiders.
The most significant chapter of his career unfolded in 2025 when he signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the New England Patriots on March 17, 2025. Under the Patriots' system, Chaisson thrived, delivering a career-high 7.5 sacks and 54 quarterback pressures. His impactful performance earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 7 after a two-sack, fumble recovery touchdown game against the Tennessee Titans. He continued to be a key contributor, making playoff starts in January 2026 and appearing in Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026.
As of March 11, 2026, K'Lavon Chaisson is an unrestricted free agent. His strong 2025 season significantly increased his market value, with projections placing it around $9 million per season. While the Patriots reportedly view him as a priority, their recent acquisition of defensive lineman Dre'Mont Jones on March 10, 2026, has introduced uncertainty regarding Chaisson's return to New England. Other teams, including the Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, and Philadelphia Eagles, are also reportedly seeking pass-rushing help, which could further drive up his price and lead him to a new team for the 2026 season.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if K'Lavon Chaisson made different choices?