Panthers release former 1st-round pick on Tuesday

Well, we know who the Carolina Panthers won’t be pairing Jadeveon Clowney with on Sunday.

In somewhat of a surprise move, the team announced on Tuesday that they have released outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson. The 25-year-old defender signed with Carolina as a free agent this offseason.

A former First-team All-SEC selection at Louisiana State University, Chaisson was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 20th overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft. But he would not live up to those first-round expectations in Duval, as he amassed just 5.0 sacks over four seasons for the Jaguars.

The Panthers seemed hopeful that Chaisson could reach his potential, especially in a year where the team has been searching for pass-rushing help. Head coach Dave Canales mentioned Chaisson just last week.

“Yeah, up for grabs still,” Canales stated of the No. 2 outside linebacker job. “This is a group of guys that’s worked really hard through camp and just gonna continue to see what DJ [Johnson], Eku [Leota], K’Lavon [Chaisson] can bring to us.”

Chaisson was one of five outside linebackers on the Panthers’ 53-man roster. Clowney, Johnson, Leota and Jamie Sheriff now remain.