Chase Young Set to Join Saints in 1-Year Deal
Defensive end Chase Young is set to join the New Orleans Saints, according to sources. Young, who was the No. 2 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, will sign a 1-year contract worth $13 million, fully guaranteed.
Young spent his first 4 1/2 seasons with the Washington Commanders before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers on October 31st. In his time with the 49ers, Young played nine games and recorded five solo tackles and 2.5 sacks. Prior to that, in Washington, he played in 43 games with 50 solo tackles and 15 sacks.
This offseason, the Saints have been focused on bolstering their defense. Young will be the second defensive player signing for the team, following former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay.
Mixed Performance in San Francisco
While Young showed promise after joining the 49ers midseason, there were concerns about his performance. Despite being considered the most physically gifted edge player on the team, Young never overtook Clelin Ferrell as the preferred base-down defensive end until Ferrell was sidelined with an injury. There were also persistent issues regarding Young’s run defense and effort, which affected his overall impact on the field.
However, Young did have some standout moments, particularly in the Super Bowl where he recorded a sack on Patrick Mahomes. But his inconsistent performances and streaks of hot-and-cold play caused problems for the 49ers. Ultimately, the team decided not to bring him back for another season.
The Cost-Benefit Analysis
The decision to not bring Young back was based on the lack of consistent pass-rushing production. While he showed potential as a pass rusher in the Super Bowl, his overall efficiency ranked around No. 25 according to Pro Football Focus. The Saints, on the other hand, were willing to pay the price for Young’s services, believing that he can contribute to their defense.
Looking Ahead
Chase Young’s move to the New Orleans Saints is expected to bring a new dynamic to their defense. With a fully guaranteed 1-year deal worth $13 million, Young will have the opportunity to prove himself and potentially secure a long-term contract in the future. The Saints are hoping that Young’s talent and potential will make a significant impact on their defensive line. Only time will tell if this move will pay off for both parties involved.