After finishing with the fewest sacks in the NFL this past season, the Carolina Panthers had to say goodbye to their three most productive pass rushers—linebackers Brian Burns, Frankie Luvu and Yetur Gross-Matos. So, where will the production come from now?
One of those sources could be free-agent signee K’Lavon Chaisson, who recently spoke with KPRC 2 Houston’s Aaron Wilson. The 24-year-old defender told Wilson he’s excited for the fresh start and gave Carolina fans an idea of what they now have on their roster.
“They’re getting a complete player and they’re getting a winner,” Chaisson said. “That’s the most important thing is the W column. I got used to winning in high school and college. It’s a mindset and acknowledgement of the grind it takes to reach a certain level and make a certain impact. It’s about competition.
“They’re getting someone who is truly loyal and respects the game, a true rarity. All in all, they’re getting a complete player, a complete person and human that comes with it. I feel like I have every tool it takes to be a great player.”
Chaisson was selected with the 20th overall selection of the 2020 NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. But that investment didn’t pay off down in Duval, as the LSU standout amassed just 5.0 sacks over four seasons.
While he’s entering new territory in Charlotte, the former first-round pick is being met with some familiarity. He will be reuniting with Panthers defensive line coach Todd Wash, who served as Jacksonville’s defensive coordinator during Chaisson’s rookie campaign.
So hopefully for Carolina, those tools come together to form the great player Chaisson believes he can still be.
