The New England Patriots' Mike Vrabel undertook a major roster rebuild in the 2025 offseason. One position he addressed was the edge on defense. He signed free agents Harold Landry III, who has performed as expected, and also K'Lavon Chaisson, who has exceeded expectations after nine games and is headed for a career season with 5.5 sacks already.
Chaisson's previous high had been five sacks in 2024. The Patriots took a one-year flyer on the player, and thus far, he's been everything they could have hoped for. Chaisson has been a fixture on the right side opposite Landry on the left. He also has a recovered fumble for a touchdown to his credit.
The improvement in the pass rush is significant, and Chaisson has been a key element of that advancement. Chaisson won't make anyone forget about monster pass-rushers like Myles Garrett or Trey Hendrickson. Yet, he's still a solid contributor, and the team will face a decision on whether to sign him to an extension.
K'Lavon Chaisson deserves a contract extension
Whether to grant an extension depends on several factors. One is if the player performs at or above expectations. Chaisson has already met expectations and may be on his way to a double-digit sack season, something missing in Foxborough since the best days of Matt Judon.
When you've already exceeded your career high in the key element of your position, sacks in this case, after only nine games, it's a solid determinant that has to be considered.
K'Lavon Chaisson now has a career-high 5.5 sacks this season
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) November 2, 2025
Chaisson's age is another consideration. While he's in his sixth NFL season, he's only 26 years old and just hitting his prime. His situation is a perfect fit for a team that needs a young veteran core to accompany both the 2025 rookies and the likely influx of another big draft class in 2026.
The facts add up to a contact extension for K'Lavon Chaisson
The Patriots should sign K'Lavon Chaisson to an extension. One key factor, as always, is money. If he's willing to accept an extension of three or four years or so at a representative salary, it should be high on Vrabel's list.
Vrabel has already pared several high-priced underperforming veterans from the bloated Patriots' payroll he inherited in January. More are likely on the way out this offseason. The 2026 roster will little resemble the dreadful 2024 one by the time Vrabel is finished with his next round of house cleaning before next July.
Young players like Chaisson, who have performed above expectations, are the type of players who should be signed to extensions. They should stay around to help the Patriots be all they can be. If he can sign him now for less, Vrabel would be well-advised to do so. If not, and he waits until the off-season, he'll face stern competition. The former is the better option.