Following an incredible 2025 season that saw the Carolina Panthers return to the NFL Playoffs for the first time since 2017, the fan base has been filled with optimism heading into the offseason.

In order to keep the future bright in Carolina, it’s clear that general manager Dan Morgan must address needs on both sides of the ball during the free agency period and the 2026 NFL Draft. The offense could use some reinforcements in both the wide receiver room and the offensive line, but the main issues lie with the defense.

One of the main concerns for the Panthers heading into next season is the team’s current pass rush, which clearly lacked juice in 2025. The defense finished tied for the third-least amount of sacks last season (30), and despite 2025 second-round pick Nic Scourton breaking out as a rookie, it’s clear that Morgan must add a veteran to complete the room.

Luckily, there are plenty of EDGE rushers in this year’s free agency cycle, including a familiar face in New England Patriots’ defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson.

The former 2020 first-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars was unable to truly break out with the team that selected him, spending four seasons with the program. With the Jaguars, Chaisson recorded 73 tackles and five sacks, failing to meet the high expectations set upon himself once he entered the league.

Fortunately, Chaisson would receive a change of scenery in 2024 as he joined the Las Vegas Raiders. Under a new team, the veteran playmaker managed to revitalize his career with the franchise, tallying 32 tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception. With the Raiders possessing star pass rusher Maxx Crosby, this allowed for Chaisson to truly thrive alongside one of the best in the NFL.

His incredible stint with the Raiders landed him another opportunity with the New England Patriots this past offseason, and Chaisson quickly became one of the best EDGE rushers for the Super Bowl-contending team. This year, Chaisson racked up 7.5 sacks throughout the regular season, while also picking up an additional three sacks in the postseason.

There is, however, a slight problem when discussing Chaisson potentially signing with the Panthers this offseason. Before he joined the Raiders in 2024, Chaisson signed with Carolina but was cut before even getting a chance to step on the field.

While this could hamper Morgan’s efforts for an underrated pass rusher like Chaisson, the Panthers could make amends with him and give him a unquie opportunities to play alongside a rising star in Scourton.

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