Chase Young signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the New Orleans Saints on Monday. Initial reports suggested Young’s 2024 salary is fully guaranteed. However, details of his new contract emerged, revealing his guarantees are subject to per-game roster bonuses.
According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, $7.99 million of the $13 million contract depends on Young being on the active game-day roster each week. For every game he is active, Young will receive $470,000, guaranteed.
Young’s base salary is $2.75 million. He received a $1.86 million signing bonus, and a workout bonus of $450,000. The remaining money he earns depends on how many games he dresses in uniform for the 2024 season.
The Saints have good reason to take precautions with signing Young, who has battled various injuries during his four-year NFL career.
Young will undergo neck surgery on Thursday. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Young’s neck issue made finding suitors in free agency difficult for the 24-year-old.
Chase Young dealing with congenital condition revealed last year with Commanders
Last season, Young suffered a stinger during a preseason game while playing with the Washington Commanders. Evaluation of the injury revealed a congenital condition. He missed the regular season opener as a result.
The Commanders drafted Young second overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. Washington had already declined his fifth-year option before the stinger, sending him to free agency after the 2023 season. Washington traded Young before the October 31 deadline to the San Francisco 49ers.
Young’s neck issues affected his trade market last season, per Breer. The Chicago Bears weren’t comfortable with the medical scans. The 49ers were. The Bears instead pivoted to the Commanders’ other edge rusher, Montez Sweat.
The idea for Chase Young is to have surgery to correct the issue with his neck. He received just over $5 million to get into the Saints building and go through a 3-to-5 month rehab.
The Saints cover their back with the structure of the contract. The team will pay Young according to how many games he suits up. Presumably, Young’s additional won’t halt the Saints from addressing its pass rush through the draft if needed.
