The New Orleans Saints are making a move to address a deficiency in their pass rush.
Accsording to NFL Network, the team plans to sign Chase Young, a former San Francisco 49er and Washington Commander defensive end, to a one-year, $13 million contract.
Young, 24, was one of the top remaining free agents available, placing fourth on USA TODAY Sports’ list of the top 25 free agents, but the No. 2 player on that list, offensive tackle Tyron Smith, allegedly agreed to terms with the Jets.
Young was the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. Following that season, he was selected AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and made his first and only Pro Bowl appearance. Despite his size, strength, power, and speed, Young’s play has been generally flat, and he has yet to emerge as a standout edge rusher, despite his high selection position.
He has 16.5 career sacks, 7.5 of which came in his rookie season and 7.5 in 2023, the year Washington moved him to the 49ers in late October. San Francisco used Young in pass rush situations, and he had a sack in the team’s 25-22 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 58.
The most recent news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates, and other information on the New Orleans Saints.
Young has also dealt with injury concerns, including a damaged anterior cruciate ligament in November 2021; he appeared in just 12 games between 2021 and 2022, recording only 1.5 sacks.
However, the Saints desperately needed a pass rusher. In 2023, New Orleans tied for 28th in total sacks (34) and 29th in sacks per pass attempt (6.09%). The 34 sacks were the lowest total for the team since the 2016 season, and defensive end Carl Granderson led the way with 8.5.
