The New Orleans Saints have traditionally been the class of the NFC South for much of the last decade. But after missing the postseason each of the last three seasons, that has certainly changed.
In hopes of turning around their fortune, they made a big move in free agency that the team hopes will help their defense become the driving force in a return to the postseason.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Saints plan to sign free agent defensive end Chase Young to a one-year $13 million deal to help turn around the Saints pass rush.
Comp update: Free-agent DE Chase Young plans to sign a one-year, fully guaranteed $13 million deal with the New Orleans Saints, per sources. pic.twitter.com/sXqHvgTo2S
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2024
Young of course comes to the Saints with a reputation as a true game-changing defensive force when healthy, once pegged as a generational talent out of the 2020 NFL Draft class.
This past season, Young played a big role on the San Francisco 49ers after the team traded for him with the Washington Commanders. recording one sack and eight tackles in three 49ers postseason games.
Young’s biggest problem throughout his NFL career has been his availability, dealing with a number of injuries since coming to the NFL.
With that being said, many around the NFL world seem to believe this deal could pay off in a big way for the Saints if Young can stay healthy.
Will never forget this electrifying 49ers Legend https://t.co/DvH7mgWjEZ pic.twitter.com/BC90s5tFM2
— Evan Sowards (@EvanSowards) March 18, 2024
Has 1/$15M fully gtd so think this is a win all around. Figured maybe with the slow development market it could drop https://t.co/7mjwI4j0nt
— Brad Spielberger, Esq. (@SpielbergerBrad) March 18, 2024
Good for Chase, hopefully this is the start of a revitalized career. Wish him nothing but good luck and success🙏 https://t.co/RttpSM4CDc
— Will (@willbig_boss28) March 18, 2024
Pretty good deal for Chase Young.
Over/under seven sacks for Chase next season with the Saints? https://t.co/IjnHRrQXUl
— DC Sports Buzz (@DCSportsBuzzz) March 18, 2024
Love it!!!! https://t.co/PpjdoCPHAF
— Torrence (@Torrence0323) March 18, 2024
It is undoubtedly an expensive deal for what Young has shown on tape thus far in his career. But if the Saints can tap into the very obvious potential that he has, it will undoubtedly be a deal that pays off for them next year.