Free agency is underway, and the New England Patriots are experiencing the pain that comes with free agent departures. Key defenders from 2025, including Khyiris Tonga, Anfernee Jennings, and Jaylinn Hawkins, all departed. The Patriots have started their work to replace them, signing linebacker K.J. Britt and All-Pro safety Kevin Byard.
One of their first signings of free agency was Ravens edge defender Dre'Mont Jones. For $13 million per season, the signing of Jones buried any chance of breakout edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson returning to the team in 2026. While early indications were that the ex-LSU captain could receive $18 million to $20 million per season, he ended up settling for a one-year deal with the Commanders for just $11 million.
Replacing Chaisson with Jones could pay dividends, but it also comes with risk. Jones signed a longer contract, which gives the Patriots security on the edge for years to come. Chaisson, however, had his most productive year in New England's defense. Jones, while notching seven sacks last year, also had his best-ever production in 2025, making him a potentially volatile player.
Letting K'Lavon Chaisson go could prove to be a mistake for Patriots
While Jones is bigger and more apt against the run, he doesn't have the bend or pass rush upside of Chaisson. For a team that ranked 22nd in the league in sacks last year, that could become a problem.
If the Patriots had their heart set on Jones before free agency, seeing Chaisson return in addition to adding the former Ohio State Buckeye wouldn't have been unreasonable, given the contract he signed in Washington.
The $11 million deal puts Chaisson 36th in the league among edge defenders, sharing an average contract value with Browns edge rusher Alex Wright and fellow Commander Dorance Armstrong. He was more productive than both in terms of sacks last season, totaling 10.5 across the regular season and playoffs.
The plan to improve the pass rush
Vrabel's teams in Tennessee relied on heavy-handed edge defenders who could both set the edge and rush the passer. Chaisson, admittedly, isn't an elite run defender. Jones has proven to be exactly that, given his past as a defensive tackle.
The Patriots will continue to rely on in-house options for the bulk of their pass rush. Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, and Cory Durden are the top options along the interior. At the same time, offseason surgery for Harold Landry could help his consistency, as his production tailed off towards the end of the year. The undrafted Elijah Ponder will look to improve upon his four-sack season, as the Cal Poly rookie was a welcome surprise contributor with a fumble recovery in the AFC Championship.
While free agency could see New England add another rotational pass rusher, the draft will be the time when long-term improvements are made. Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas is one of the nation's top pass rushers, but concerns surrounding his ability to play all three downs have merit. Missouri's Zion Young and Illinois' Gabe Jacas are also options at No. 31, while Texas A&M's Cashius Howell could slip due to arm length concerns.
Replacing Chaisson won't be easy, and letting him walk could very well be something New England regrets. Nonetheless, it isn't out of the question that he returns to the Patriots at some point in his career if his time in Washington doesn't go as planned. Time will tell, but $11 million for a single season is hardly a ridiculous contract for New England's top edge threat last season.