Former first-round pick puts up career-best numbers with Patriots

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Former first-round pick puts up career-best numbers with Patriots

Mark Daniels · MassLive

Thu, Jan 1, 2026 ·

2 min read

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FOXBOROUGH – K’Lavon Chaisson has reached new heights with the Patriots this year.

In his sixth NFL season, the veteran edge rusher heads into the team’s regular-season finale with a career-high in sacks (6.5), quarterback hits (16), tackles for loss (9), forced fumbles (2), and starts (10).

After signing a 1-year deal with the Patriots this offseason, Chaisson surpassed expectations and helped create a solid 1-2 punch with veteran edge rusher Harold Landry . It’s been a fun season for the 26-year-old, but don’t expect Chaisson to take all the credit.

When asked about his career-highs, the pass rusher gave thanks to his teammates.

“It’s meant everything,” Chaisson said about his season. “I think the biggest thing to me is I always give credit to everyone else who’s on the field. It’s impossible without them. I think having a phenomenal offense puts you in the position where you can rush the passer and pin your ears back and get these opportunities.

“We have great defensive backs. Obviously got All-Pros back there, Pro Bowlers. When you have all these great pieces together, a lot of great things can happen once you’re on the field.”

A first-round pick by Jacksonville in 2020, Chaisson didn’t live up to expectations at the start of his NFL career. In his first four seasons, the edge rusher started 11 of 57 games played, amassing five sacks.

Chaisson signed with the Carolina Panthers in 2024, but was released at the end of training camp. He stayed in the NFL by signing with the Las Vegas Raiders ’ practice squad that season. Chaisson finished strong, ending that season with a career-high five sacks.

That led him to New England this offseason, where he signed a 1-year contract. With the Patriots , Chaisson has been a valuable member of the defense. This week, he also credited his position coach, Mike Smith, for helping him.

With one game left in the regular season, Chaisson will go to the playoffs as a starter for the first time.

“The success has been great for sure,” Chaisson said. “But I think it’s a true blessing just being on the field with everybody from offense, defense, and special teams.”

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