Patriots Unlocked K'Lavon Chaisson and Now Elijah Ponder Is Next in Line for a Breakout
After 10 sacks total in five National Football League seasons, Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots unlocked K'Lavon Chaisson.
Taken 20th overall in 2020 by Jacksonville, Chaisson was plucked off the scrap heap by the Patriots and went from "bust" to integral piece of an AFC championship defense.
Chaisson exit leaves void at edge
He's gone to free agency, but Vrabel and his defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr would love to stay hot in the development zone as they give Elijah Ponder the opportunity to step into their "career-making machine."
Ponder, the second-year pro, is on a different track than Chaisson, of course. An undrafted free agent in 2025, he caught the Patriots' eye early in training camp and earned a rotational spot at the edge-rusher position.
His potential and performance allowed the team to move on via trade from 2023 second-round pick Keion White back in October.
Ponder gained confidence as rookie
The Patriots expect Ponder, with Chaisson now in Washington (1-year, $11 million), to expand his role in 2026.
"I'm putting in work this offseason. Let's hope it translates to the field," said Ponder of his extended dedication and the team's confidence in him. "Defense, special teams, I'll just do what I can for the team."
Opportunity knocks
At one point during the recent June minicamp, Ponder went full-time on the edge with the first defense. Yes, they are in helmets and shells (no pads), but heads were turned in the moment.
"Those are (our starters), it's great to be able to go with the best of the best," said Ponder. "I'm banking every opportunity and playing to the best of my ability. This is professional football. Coming from Vrabel, who has done this for a long time, it means a lot. I'm just hoping to carry that on."
Ponder is in a pack of hopefuls at the edge. Veteran Harold Landry (8.5 sacks in 2025) has the inside track for one spot. Ponder sits with the likes of free-agent pickup Dre'Mont Jones, Bradyn Swinson and Jesse Luketa, each fighting for his share of the snaps.
Rookie second-round pick Gabe Jacas remains unsigned with some doubt surrounding his health. He could be the wild card in the mix.
But Ponder has prepped for it to be his time.
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This story was originally published July 3, 2026 at 10:16 AM.