While K’Lavon Chaisson Took His Family Shopping, Bradyn Swinson Was Still Grinding—And Everyone Noticed
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
NFL jobs aren’t won on Sunday. They’re earned in the quiet, grueling hours when no one is watching.
Last weekend, while Patriots veteran K’Lavon Chaisson was spotted out with his wife and children on a casual grocery run, rookie edge rusher Bradyn Swinson was doing something else entirely: training—alone—at the facility, working on footwork and pad leverage drills.
And around the building, people noticed.
There’s no shame in spending time with family, especially during offseason weekends. For Chaisson, a player in his fifth NFL season, it might have seemed like a much-needed breather. But context is everything. His spot on the roster isn’t safe—and every decision is magnified when you’re on the edge.
Meanwhile, Swinson, the fifth-round rookie with something to prove, is treating every moment as an opportunity to separate himself. And last weekend may have been one of those moments.
“Bradyn didn’t say a word about it,” a team staffer shared. “He just showed up, got to work, and left quietly. That’s the kind of thing that gets back to coaches.”
Chaisson, to his credit, has shown veteran poise and leadership through spring activities. He’s stayed after practice, mentored younger players, and focused on earning his place in a deepening edge rotation. But perception can shape reality—and when one guy is grinding while the other is seen pushing a cart through Whole Foods, the narrative shifts quickly.
This is the NFL, where competition never sleeps—and your replacement is always working.
There’s no drama yet, and no job has been won or lost on a single weekend. But the contrast between Chaisson’s family outing and Swinson’s silent hustle captured a moment in time. One that may be remembered when final cuts arrive.
It’s not about skipping a workout. It’s about what every action signals.
And in this moment, Bradyn Swinson’s silence spoke volumes.