During the 2025 offseason, one of the weakest parts of the Patriots' roster that they needed to address was their pass rush, which Mike Vrabel and Co. addressed almost immediately. Beyond adding Milton Williams, they also brought in linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson, who was coming off a career-best season with the Raiders.
He was given a one-year contract, with most believing it was a prove-it deal that could eventually earn him an extension if he played at a high level, and after seeing how he ended the season against the Dolphins, it would be fair to say he accomplished that and then some.
Chaisson was given more opportunities to show what he could for the Patriots' defense in recent weeks, especially with Harold Landry sidelined with an injury, and his production might be more than enough to earn an extension with New England, which would be a smart move for the front office to offer.
The Patriots need to seriously consider re-signing K'Lavon Chaisson in free agency after this season's performance
Although their pass rush is still not their best defensive asset, Chaisson has been a consistent performer and earned a massive incentive with his seventh sack against Miami in Week 18.
That brought him to the most sacks in a single season of his career, and he recorded that in just 15 games.
K'Lavon Chaisson earned $500,00 today. He had an incentive at 7 sacks and finished the season with 7.5.
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) January 5, 2026
Even with Landry likely to play once the playoffs begin, it won't be the last we see of Chaisson, especially considering how integral he has become later in the season for the defense.
With a solid showing in the postseason, it would be almost undeniable for the Patriots' front office to get an extension done, maybe even early, to lock him up before he inevitably receives interest from several teams around the league.
It won't cost an arm and a leg to get a deal done, either, which only makes the case to do it even stronger. Chaisson appears to be a great locker room guy, too, and we know how much culture means to Vrabel, so that will surely go a long way, as well.
It might come down to what they're trying to accomplish in free agency and if they have their eye on any other names set to hit the market or even a blockbuster trade. That could hurt Chaisson's chances, but it wouldn't be because he didn't put the work in.