What K’Lavon Chaisson and Jaylinn Hawkins said about upcoming free agency

New England Patriots

Both players said they would like to return, but with free agency kicking off next month there are no guarantees.

The Patriots have most of their starters under contract for next season, along with the shine that comes with putting a Super Bowl appearance on their collective resume.

But they have a pair of starters on defense who are about to hit free agency. K’Lavon Chaisson and Jaylinn Hawkins will become free agents next month.

Both players said they are open to returning. How the Patriots will handle their contract situations remains to be seen.

“Man, this organization, the city, everything’s been amazing,” Chaisson said. “I feel like anybody who got a chance to experience this wouldn’t want to leave. And I’m appreciative to be a part of it.”

Chaisson, a former first-round pick, signed a one-year $3 million deal with the Patriots last offseason. The 26-year-old linebacker had bounced around with several teams, including the Jaguars, Panthers, and Raiders before having a breakout season with the Patriots.

He posted a career-high 7.5 sacks last season, second on the team behind Harold Landry. He tied Landry for the team lead in tackles for loss (10). He also forced a pair of fumbles and recovered one.

“Everything for me individually,” Chaisson said. “Everything for me from a football aspect, everything when you talk about the chances of being a champion in the NFL, this year was huge and I’m appreciative of it for sure.”

He said he is optimistic that he’ll be able to reach a deal with the Patriots.

“I feel like I can,” Chaisson said. “I’ve got true faith within the organization, within the guys upstairs. Just everything that we had going on this year, I trust in the process, for sure.”

Hawkins, who posted a career-high four interceptions and recorded 71 tackles, said he also wants to come back.

“We’re going to have to see, I hope it does [happen],” Hawkins said about the possibility of his return. “Obviously we’re going to have to see that stuff when the time comes, it’s going to come up pretty quick.”

In the immediate aftermath of the Patriots’ Super Bowl loss to the Seahawks, Hawkins spoke about how much being a part of this team means to him.

“I really want to come back. Those are my brothers, man,” Hawkins said. “This is the closest I’ve been with anybody, any unit, any DB unit, any coaching staff, anybody. This group is special, man. All these guys are special.”

Hawkins said he plans to use the loss as motivation going forward.

“For sure, that’s the fuel. I feel like after the game I was fueled up. Going to think about that going into the offseason for sure. But we’re also going to think about how blessed we are and the opportunity that I had this year with my brothers, everybody, playing ball with them. This team, coaches, the brotherhood we created is special. I’m never going to forget this year.”

Khari A. Thompson

Sports Reporter

Khari Thompson covers professional sports for Boston.com. Before joining the team in 2022, Khari covered college football for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.