The Las Vegas Raiders kicked off the 2024 NFL season with a disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, ending up on the wrong side of a 22-10 score. Fans had hoped for a strong start, but the team struggled significantly.
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A major point of concern for the Raiders was their defensive line’s inability to stop the run, which was exacerbated by injuries to defensive ends Tyree Wilson and Malcolm Koonce. The team is feeling the pinch and has taken action by signing a former first-round linebacker.
According to Jordan Schultz, the Raiders plan to bring in K’Lavon Chaisson, who will help bolster their pass rush alongside Maxx Crosby and Janarius Robinson.
Chaisson was most recently with the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad. He joined the team on March 16, but was released just before the season on September 3.
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Startled by being drafted No. 20 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020 out of LSU, Chaisson spent his college years racking up impressive stats—92 tackles, 9.5 sacks, and one forced fumble during his three seasons. His standout year in 2019 saw him achieve 60 tackles and 6.5 sacks.
In his first NFL season with the Jaguars, Chaisson logged 19 tackles, a sack, and a pass defense. Over his time with the team from 2020 to 2023, he totaled 73 tackles, five sacks, and two pass defenses.
Unfortunately, Chaisson’s 2022 season was marred by a knee injury that resulted in him being placed on IR, leading to an eight-game absence before his return in December 2023.
Joining a linebacker group that includes Divine Deablo, Robert Spillane, and Luke Masterson, Chaisson is expected to strengthen the Raiders’ defense, which notably struggled to stop the Chargers’ run game.
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The Raiders allowed running back J.K. Dobbins to rack up 135 rushing yards, contributing to the Chargers’ overall 176 rushing yards. Clearly, improving their run defense will be crucial moving forward.
Next up, the Raiders will face the Baltimore Ravens, and they’ll need to focus on stopping Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry to avoid another tough defeat on Sunday.