Once upon a time, Chase Young was a potential candidate to be the number one pick in 2020. He was considered to be a can't-miss prospect but that's not what's gone down in Young's career and he now finds himself as a member of the New Orleans Saints, who signed him in free agency this offseason.
Young was the second overall pick by Washington in 2020 and played the part of an up-and-coming star, tallying 7.5 sacks and winning Defensive Rookie of the Year. Unfortunately, that's where the highlights stopped for Young, as he tore his ACL in his second season and that sidelined him for the back half of the 2021 season and nearly all of the 2022 season.
In 2023, Washington traded Young to the 49ers where he recorded 5.0 sacks and helped them reach the Super Bowl. The Saints signed him this offseason and unfortunately, another injury reared its ugly head, as the former second overall pick underwent surgery for a herniated disk on his neck. The hope is that he's ready for training camp but the recovery timeline could hold him out through the start of the season.
With the injury holding Young out, some Saints fans might be sleeping on him and what he can do for the team this year. Head coach Dennis Allen had nothing but good things to say about Young, noting, "[Young]’s doing everything we’re asking him to do, he’s highly motivated, he wants to be a part of this organization, wants to a part of this team. And, look, I’m excited about getting him out here when he’s healthy enough to be out here.”
Dennis Allen gives positive update on Chase Young
For the most part, Young has not lived up to his draft moniker but there's plenty of time for him to turn things around. He showed he still has enough in the tank during his time in San Francisco and if he can build on that, he can set himself up to land a nice contract next year.
The Saints would reap the benefit from a contract year from Young so let's keep our fingers crossed that Allen and the front office are telling us the truth and Young will be worth the money this offseason. Plus, as we know, Allen tends to get the best out of his defensive players so let's hope that Young continues that trend. We know he's talented and the Saints have been a good defensive unit so here's hoping that he thrives in the Big Easy.
