On the first day of official free agency, the options at pass rusher are already limited for the Patriots, with Trey Hendrickson quickly becoming the biggest name still available.
He's expected to choose his next team as soon as Wednesday, with rumors connecting him to the Ravens after they backed out of their trade for Maxx Crosby, but then there's also K'Lavon Chaisson, who the Patriots could re-sign.
Given his impressive performance during the 2025 season, it would make a lot of sense for him to return. He fell only behind Harold Landry III on the defense in sacks, logging 7.5 on the year, and filled a role he wasn't expected to and far exceeded all projections for the season.
Because they have only signed Dre'Mont Jones so far, Chaisson could easily be their next signing, especially if they miss out on Hendrickson, too. But now the Commanders are reportedly showing strong interest in him, and they could easily steal him from New England sooner rather than later.
It's looking more and more like K'Lavon Chaisson won't be playing for the Patriots in 2026
According to the latest intel from NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, Washington has been showing interest in Chaisson over the past week, despite already signing Odafe Oweh to a massive contract, and they're not shying away from doing the same with the possible former Patriots' pass rusher.
The Commanders are still combing the pass rush market a day after agreeing to terms with Odafe Oweh (4 yrs, $100M). One name that comes up often for them in league circles: K’Lavon Chaisson. pic.twitter.com/hrJ2RUkZFx
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 10, 2026
That would be a significant loss for New England, which desperately needs to improve its pass rush, and losing Chaisson, whether they've expressed interest in re-signing him or not, would force their hand to either attempt a massive trade for a game-wrecker or turn their focus to find their next star in the draft.
Because the incoming class is already said to be deep, that might be the direction they go in. But it would also be wise to add a veteran with experience to boost their predominantly young defensive line, making Chaisson even more desirable.
Based on his 2025 performance, he will yield a hefty contract, and he deserves every penny. Hopefully, the Patriots aren't ruling out bringing him back because of that, but it can't be ruled out either.
We'll have to see what happens, and it's likely that even more names will be signed this week, so their options will continue to dwindle.
UPDATE:
K'Lavon Chaisson has signed a one-year deal with the Commanders.