Going into the offseason, it was clear what positions the Patriots needed to prioritize in free agency and the draft, with their lack of dominant pass rush being one of their weakest parts of the roster. So the assumption was they would target an EDGE player early and often, but they have only signed Dre'Mont Jones to a contract so far.
They have watched countless top targets sign with new teams, and reports haven't suggested they were actively speaking to any of them. Now they just lost their best re-sign candidate, with K'Lavon Chaisson heading to the Commanders on a one-year deal they could have easily offered him instead.
Sources: #Patriots edge K'Lavon Chaisson is signing with the #Commanders. Another edge for Washington.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2026
The deal is for 1-year and $12M and was done by David Mulugheta of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/nU787oMwAj
Although some might argue that he isn't the most significant loss, the team's other best option at the position, Trey Hendrickson, just inked a four-year deal with the Ravens after they got cold feet with their Maxx Crosby trade, and now the Patriots are back at square one.
Their options have dwindled significantly, and they might need to prioritize the position in the draft, although adding another veteran would be more efficient.
K'Lavon Chaisson's exit puts the Patriots in a very undesirable position
Before free agency began, the Patriots were linked to several pass rushers, some of whom they had expressed interest in before last season's trade deadline. That included Boye Mafe, who impressed with the Seahawks last year and signed a contract with the Bengals.
Other targets, like Odafe Oweh and Jaelan Phillips, are also off the board, as they, too, have signed big deals with new teams.
It's terrible news for Mike Vrabel, who has made it very clear that he wants to build a young, dominant team, and now the list of suitable players to rush the quarterback is much shorter than it would have been had they signed someone earlier.
Although Jones will certainly make an impact and is an upgrade, they still need more help. There are a few interesting names left to consider, but most haven't put up the kind of production the Patriots' defense needs.
It'll be interesting to see what they end up doing because it looks like they have already missed out on their best chance to massively improve one of their biggest weaknesses, so they're not in a great position now.