Former first-round bust predicted success, shines with Patriots in Super Bowl run

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Former first-round bust predicted success, shines with Patriots in Super Bowl run

Mark Daniels · MassLive

Tue, Feb 3, 2026 ·

3 min read

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SANTA CLARA, Calif. – K’Lavon Chaisson’s career didn’t start like he hoped it would, but he never lost faith.

The 26-year-old has been through a lot in his six-year NFL career. Chaisson’s been a first-round bust. He’s been cut after training camp. The edge rusher even had to sign with another team’s practice squad to keep his dreams alive.

Despite the adversity, Chaisson always believed he’d one day be playing in the Super Bowl .

On Tuesday, near the Patriots team hotel, the veteran said he can vividly remember watching the Super Bowl a few years back while on a vacation in Mexico. Watching the event made him motivated. That’s why he took out his phone and recorded a video, predicting he’d one day be there on that big stage.

This weekend, the premonition comes true.

“Actually, I did,” Chaisson said when asked if he thought he’d ever be in a Super Bowl. “I have a video of my notes from two years ago. Me and my girl were out of town. We were watching the Super Bowl in Mexico. But I kind of recorded just telling myself, we aren’t supposed to be here. Like, we’re supposed to be at the big one.

“I just knew and understood that I had a bigger calling than where I was at. It was only a matter of time. I just put it all in God’s plan. I knew exactly where I belonged.”

Chaisson’s story is one of the best to come out of the Patriots this season.

Drafted 20th overall by Jacksonville in 2020, Chaisson entered the NFL as a raw but athletic prospect. In his first four seasons, the edge rusher didn’t develop like the Jaguars hoped it would. In 57 games played, Chaisson made five sacks. He didn’t start a game in his final two seasons in Jacksonville.

In 2024, Chaisson signed with the Carolina Panthers , hoping a fresh start would do him well. Instead, it was a stark reality check. The Panthers released him at the end of training camp. Seven days later, Chaisson signed with the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad.

The hardship turned out to be a blessing.

Chaisson made his way to the Raiders’ 53-man roster and finished with a career-high five sacks with Las Vegas . He made four of those sacks in the final six games of the 2024 season.

That performance put him on the Patriots’ radar, and this past offseason, the team signed Chaisson to a 1-year, $5 million deal.

Chaisson has had the best season of his career in New England , finishing with a career-high 7.5 sacks and 18 quarterback hits. He’s in line to start Super Bowl 60, just like he once predicted.

“More than grateful for sure,” Chaisson said. “The opportunity is a blessing. All praise goes to God, for sure. I wouldn’t be here without him. I do understand the magnitude of the scenario and situation. I truly chose to take advantage of every opportunity that comes with it.”

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