The expectation going into the 2025 offseason in New England was that the new regime led by Mike Vrabel would prioritize the offense to build a solid group around Drake Maye. Although most of the resources to accomplish that were used in the draft, they still managed to add a few good free-agent pieces for the quarterback to work with. However, it was clear that in free agency, upgrading the defense was the primary focus, especially the defensive line.
That meant players like linebackers Harold Landry III and Robert Spillane, as well as defensive tackle Milton Williams, were among the earliest signings, immediately improving what had been a weak group over the last few seasons. Eventually, former first-round defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson was signed, too, but didn't receive as much hype as his new teammates.
That kind of reaction wasn't totally unexpected, as Chaisson has had an up-and-down career so far, with his best season taking place just last year with the Jaguars.
And although he hasn't received much hype heading into training camp, he's making headlines for himself for all the right reasons, as he was recently working out with former Raiders teammate and consistent Defensive Player of the Year nominee Maxx Crosby.
#Patriots DE K’Lavon Chaisson has been training in Las Vegas with #Raiders DE Maxx Crosby.
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) July 7, 2025
Chaisson previously stated that he is extremely motivated heading into his sixth season.
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K’Lavon Chaisson continues to fly under the radar this offseason, but could be a big contributor for the Patriots
When looking at the list of pass rushers currently signed to the Patriots' roster, Chaisson has not garnered a lot of attention. Now that he is prioritizing improving his game to the point of working with one of the very best at the position in the entire league, it's hard not to talk about his potential in 2025.
He has already made it clear that he wants to have the best year of his career and will put in the work to accomplish that, proving his worth beyond doubt. It could surely earn him a new contract, as the Patriots appear to have offered him a one-year prove-it deal for just the upcoming season.
Based on the kind of work Chaisson is putting in this offseason, even away from the facility, he could easily be far more involved in the defensive plan than anyone initially thought, and could make the position far more competitive in training camp as well. Most analysts believed he was signed to be a rotational piece on the defensive line, and while that might be true, he could prove to be a more viable starter than some of his teammates during the rest of the offseason.
That would almost immediately make him one of the best free agent signings Vrabel and Co. made in their first year together, and yet nobody is even talking about Chaisson's potential.
It could play into the Patriots' hands if their upcoming opponents overlook what they have built in Foxboro, and what the defense can accomplish will be exciting to watch. They look to have a few potential secret weapons on the roster already, with Chaisson being the latest one, which is exactly what the Patriots need moving forward.
Now, let's hope Vrabel can bring out the best in a player like Chaisson, and we can see a defense reminiscent of the dominating groups that marked the start of New England's dynasty.