After playing for the NFC champion 49ers, Chase Young now has a new home. The free agent signed with the New Orleans Saints on Monday, as the team gave him a one-year deal worth $13 million.
After being in cap torture for quite some time, New Orleans made moves this offseason to clear cap space and sign one of the best pass rushers on the market.
The Number Two Overall Pick Will Try To Rejuvenate Himself
Chosen second overall by the Washington Commanders in 2020, he made his mark early. He recorded 7.5 sacks for the team, 44 tackles, and had three fumble recoveries while adding a touchdown to his resume. Sum that all up, and you got yourself the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The 2020 Pro Bowler unfortunately struggled with injuries the next two seasons, playing just 12 total games in 2021 and 2022. Critics started to call Young a bust and how he shouldn’t have been drafted as high as he was.
But, in 2023, he played seven games and recorded five sacks for the Commanders before being traded to San Francisco.
Young would record 2.5 sacks and ten tackles for the 49ers in the regular season. He contributed in the Super Bowl, too. There were times when he showed a lack of effort (see: the NFC Championship versus the Detroit Lions). But, you can’t deny the talent is there.
CHASE YOUNG SACK ‼️‼️ pic.twitter.com/092unJV5oZ
— Barstool Ohio State (@BarstoolOSU) February 12, 2024
Despite the losing effort, many thought the 49ers would bring him back for the 2024 season and beyond. But, they let their midseason pickup find a new home this offseason.
As he joins the Saints, the team could use his pass rush after having just 34 sacks as a team in 2023 (fourth-lowest in the league).
The Saints have invested high draft picks in pass-rushers, selecting Payton Turner in the first round of the 2021 draft and Isaiah Foskey in the second round of the 2023 draft, but neither had a sack last year. Foskey was a healthy scratch for most of the season, and Turner played in only two games because of injury.
ESPN on the Saints’ decision to bring Chase Young in after struggling to get solid pass-rushers
With Chase Young, this defense looks dangerous. Cameron Jordan and Carl Granderson are currently the two starting defensive ends at the moment. But, that will likely change during training camp. For now, there’s no question the Saints made a great move bringing the former number two overall pick to their squad. Bryce Young, Baker Mayfield, and Kirk Cousins better watch out.
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