Chase Young has a new NFL home. The former Washington Commanders defensive end signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints on Monday. The deal will pay Young $13 million and is fully guaranteed, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Once viewed as one of the young up and coming premiere pass rushers, the 24-year-old Young is looking to rebuild his reputation after an inconsistent start to his NFL career.
Young was the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, getting selected by the Commanders, his hometown team. He emerged in his first year, winning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He had 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and a defensive touchdown in his first pro campaign.
Unfortunately, his rookie season has proved to be the best of his young career. Young endured a sophomore slump in 2021 with 1.5 sacks before he suffered a torn ACL and a torn patella tendon in a Week 10 game.
He missed 14 games the following season and 22 games because of his injury. Ahead of the 2023, the Commanders declined the team’s fifth-year option on Young, pushing toward free agency.
No longer in their plans, the Commanders traded Young to the San Francisco 49ers in October. Last season, he matched his career-high of 7.5 sacks, with 2.5 coming in nine games with the 49ers. He recorded a sack in San Francisco’s Super Bowl LVIII loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Saints were near the bottom of the league in sacks with 34 last season. Carl Granderson led New Orleans with 8.5 sacks in 2023.
Young hopes to be a boost for the Saints pass rush. His time in Washington didn’t go as anticipated despite a fast start. Technique issues drew concerns from analysts and his coaches in Washington. A severe knee injury further stunted his development, both physically and mentally.
His days in Washington are now behind him. Washington is undergoing a complete overhaul of its defensive end position. Young steers clear toward rebuilding his stock as a prominent pass rusher in New Orleans.
