Patriots Star Predicted To Ditch New England For Rebuilding AFC South Team
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Patriots Star Predicted To Ditch New England For Rebuilding AFC South Team originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The New England Patriots have some key players slated to hit free agency and may not be able to re-sign all of them.
Among the Patriots' free agents is K'Lavon Chaisson, who had a career year last season. Chaisson had 7 1/2 sacks, which was the second most on the team. He also had 10 tackles for a loss. He added three sacks and four tackles for a loss in the playoffs.
Chaisson set himself up to get paid this offseason, and he has noted that he wants to stay with the Patriots. However, the Patriots have other needs and may look to address the pass rush through the draft. While Chaisson was solid, the Patriots' pass rush as a whole could use an upgrade. ESPN's Aaron Schatz predicted Chaisson would leave the Patriots for the Tennessee Titans.
"Tennessee was ranked a surprising 15th in pass rush win rate (37.3%) last season, but Arden Key and Jihad Ward are both free agents," wrote Schatz on Friday. "Chaisson blossomed over the past two seasons with the Raiders and then the Patriots. In 2025, he had 7.5 sacks, 32 pressures and an above-average pass rush win rate of 12.9%. The Titans could put him on the strong side across from Oluwafemi Oladejo."
The Titans hired Robert Saleh this offseason, and as a defensive-minded coach, he may prioritize the pass rush early in free agency. The Titans have already traded for Jermaine Johnson, and adding Chaisson would be a great complementary move.
The Titans are a rebuilding team. Cam Ward showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie, but building an elite defense could make his job easier as the Titans look to build themselves into a competitive team under Saleh.
If the Patriots lose Chaisson, adding a pass rusher will become very important. However, there are plenty of options available in free agency, in the draft and on the trade block.
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