Even before the season began and going on into the regular season, the Las Vegas Raiders suffered several injuries to their defensive line. Malcolm Koonce, who was primed for a big year, went down for the season before it even began. Notable players like Christian Wilkins and Maxx Crosby also suffered season-ending injuries. With all of that came some opportunity for other guys to step up. One player who did exactly that was K’Lavon Chaisson.
After a tough start to his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chaisson got a chance to play some meaningful snaps with the Raiders, and he was a delightful surprise. Let’s take a closer look at his 2024 season.
Las Vegas Raiders 2024 Player Review: K’Lavon Chaisson
Chaisson’s Best Moments
Chaisson’s best performance in 2024 arguably came in the Raiders near upset win over the Kansas City Chiefs. In that game, Chaisson recorded three tackles, one tackle for loss, three quarterback hits, and 1.5 sacks. He made life difficult for Patrick Mahomes, including this play right here.
K’Lavon Chaisson went right around him for the sack #LVvsKC on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/4USUxl6YRg— NFL (@NFL) November 29, 2024
Chaisson also had a big moment in the Raiders second win of the season over the Cleveland Browns. Late in the game, the Browns were in the red zone, with a chance to score a late touchdown to take the lead. On fourth down, Chaisson and Charles Snowden helped bring down Deshaun Watson, essentially ending the game. Chaisson didn’t record the sack on that play, but his ability to help interrupt Watson became a game-saving moment.
It was a big moment for Chaisson specifically, who was stepping in during the first game Maxx Crosby had ever missed.
A Complete Look At Chaisson’s 2024 Campaign
Overall, Chaisson’s season was a massive step up from his time in Jacksonville. During his first four years of his career there, Chaisson picked up just five sacks. In just one year in Las Vegas, Chaisson more than capitalized on his opportunities.
In total, Chaisson’s stat line for 2024 included five sacks, 32 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, eight QB hits, a forced fumble, and two pass deflections.
Chaisson had a solid season, and he may have saved his career with it. He likely would have still found a role somewhere regardless of how his season went with the Raiders, but by taking advantage of his chance the way he did, he really revived his career. He’ll have to keep things going to prove to teams it wasn’t a fluke, but coming off a five-sack season, he looks like a much better pass rusher than he did a year ago.
Now, he enters free agency. Due to his lack of production in Jacksonville, he didn’t have too many suitors during his first free agency period. After a five-sack season, he should have more interest. That could be troublesome for Las Vegas if they hope to retain him. The Raiders have several upcoming free agents on the defensive side of the ball, and Chaisson is one they’d likely hope to retain.
*Top Photo: The Raider Ramble
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