Images courtesy of the New England Patriots

While the Maxx Crosby trade then no trade drama owned social media on Tuesday night, the rest of the NFL world continued to do its business.

Free agency ‘officially’ starts today when the new league year begins and the Patriots still need to address the edge position, especially after the latest news.

K’Lavon Chaisson – who turned into one of the team’s best signings last offseason – signed a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders.

Chaisson finished his outstanding year with the Pats with 7.5 sacks and 31 combined tackles (18 solo). He had 18 QB hits, 10 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery TD against Tennessee.

More than just on the field, Chaisson was another one of those fantastic locker room guys who quickly bought into Mike Vrabel’s message. He was always willing to speak with the media – good or bad – and will be missed. The good news is that the one-year deal means he could always be back next season.

Anfernee Jennings is also being released.

Jennings has been in New England for all six years of his NFL career, although he didn’t play in 2021.

Jennings felt like he would be one of those typical camp cuts last summer, but found a way to stay in Vrabel’s good graces and became a good player in this defense. Jennings had two sacks, 26 combined tackles (15 solo), five tackles for loss and seven QB hits with a fumble recovery. In his Pats career, he had 132 solo tackles, 25 QB hits, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Releasing Jennings saves the team $4 million this season.

Now, the team must not only add another pass rusher on top of Dre’Mont Jones, but probably add another piece or two for depth at the position as well, whether it be in free agency or the draft. Ideally, with Crosby still out there, they shoot for the moon.