Given their salary cap situation, the New Orleans Saints had to go bargain bin hunting in free agency. One of the players they came away with in free agency was Chase Young.
Chase Young and the Saints agreed to a one-year, $13 million deal. This certainly wasn’t what many people predicted would happen when the Ohio State product began his NFL career.
The No. 2 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Chase Young looked like the next pass-rushing star. As a rookie, he recorded 7.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hits and 24 total pressures.
That was good enough for him to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Washington Commanders fans and personnel were excited about what the future held. Alas, it wasn’t pretty.
In Year 2, Chase Young wasn’t able to replicate those numbers. Not only did his production take a step back, but he suffered a serious knee injury.
He was limited to nine games in 2021 and played in only three in 2022 on heavy restrictions. That led to the Commanders making the bold decision to decline the fifth-year option on his rookie contract.
Before hitting free agency in 2024, he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers ahead of the deadline. He didn’t make much of an impact there, as Chase Young is most remembered for his lack of hustle that went viral during a game.
Given their need for help on the edge, the Saints took a worthwhile risk with the former No. 2 overall pick. He should have a chip on his shoulder and will have something to prove in 2024.
As a result, he has landed on the list of players entering a make-or-break season written by Alex Kay over at Bleacher Report .
“Young could still go on to have a long, fruitful career. He’s just entering his age-25 season and doesn’t have much tread on his tires after playing only 2,097 defensive snaps across his first 43 NFL games.
If Young can stay healthy and shine while working with another top-tier edge rusher in Cameron Jordan, he should sign a big-money, multi-year deal when he returns to the open market next offseason,” Kay wrote.
If Chase Young wants to get his career back on track, he has a golden opportunity with the Saints. Opponents will focus their attention on Cameron Jordan, providing him with plenty of chances to rush the passer in one-on-one situations.
If he can’t make the most of this opportunity, a multi-year deal likely won’t come in 2025 either. Chase Young could be stuck looking for one-year prove-it deals despite youth still being on his side.
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The post Saints’ Chase Young Receives Stern Warning From NFL Analyst appeared first on NFL Analysis Network .
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