Raiders Lose Promising Pass Rusher to Tom Brady’s Former Team
New general manager John Spytek has shown he’s willing to let talented players leave in free agency during his first year with the Las Vegas Raiders. Earlier this week, defensive starters Robert Spillane, Tre’Von Moehrig, Nate Hobbs, and Divine Deablo all signed with new teams, and the departures continue for the Silver and Black.
On Thursday, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport revealed that former first-round defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson had agreed to a one-year contract worth $5 million with the New England Patriots. Chaisson was claimed off waivers by Las Vegas early last season after Malcolm Koonce sustained a season-ending injury.
Chaisson enjoyed a breakout year with the Raiders in 2024 under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and defensive line coach Rob Leonard. He appeared in 15 games, starting four, and set career bests in sacks, tackles, tackles for loss, passes defended, and forced fumbles.
The LSU alum had better statistics in one season with Las Vegas than in his entire four-year stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars, which helped him secure a solid deal with the Patriots. Although Tom Brady holds a minority ownership stake in the Raiders, Chaisson chose to play in the stadium Brady helped establish in New England.