Chase Young Open to a Return to the New Orleans Saints, According to Reports
In a move that has captivated NFL fans and analysts alike, reports have emerged suggesting that defensive superstar Chase Young is open to a return to the New Orleans Saints. This development has raised eyebrows across the league, given Young’s impressive career trajectory, the Saints’ ambitions, and the impact that Young could have on New Orleans’ defense.
Chase Young, one of the most talented pass rushers in the NFL, has had an up-and-down career marked by both remarkable performances and unfortunate injuries. After being drafted by the Washington Football Team (now the Washington Commanders) with the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Young quickly became one of the most promising defensive players in the league. However, injuries have somewhat slowed his progress. Now, with the opportunity for a fresh start and a possible return to the New Orleans Saints, both Young and the franchise may be poised to rekindle a potential championship run.
The Rise of Chase Young
To understand the significance of this potential reunion, it’s important to look at Chase Young’s rise to prominence in the NFL. After an outstanding college career at Ohio State, where he was named the 2019 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and earned numerous All-American honors, Young was seen as one of the most pro-ready players in his draft class. His combination of size, speed, power, and football IQ made him an instant sensation in Washington.
As a rookie in 2020, Young lived up to the hype, showcasing his skills with a game-changing ability to disrupt offenses. His 7.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles earned him a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team and set the stage for what many hoped would be a long and successful career. Young’s dominant play on the defensive line, particularly in the pass rush, was a major reason for Washington’s rise to the playoffs that year.
Despite his promising start, injuries have played a major role in Young’s career. A torn ACL and patellar tendon injury in 2021 halted his momentum and kept him sidelined for a significant portion of the season. When he returned in 2022, Young showed glimpses of his former self, but injuries continued to nag him, preventing him from reaching the dominant level he showcased in his rookie season. Still, even with these setbacks, the potential remained undeniable, and teams across the NFL began to take notice of the possibility of acquiring Young to shore up their defensive units.
The New Orleans Saints’ Defense: A Perfect Fit?
For the New Orleans Saints, a team known for its strong defensive identity, the addition of a pass rusher like Chase Young could be a transformative move. Over the past few seasons, the Saints have been known for their stout defense, led by linebacker Demario Davis and cornerback Marshon Lattimore, with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen creating aggressive schemes that have consistently put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
However, one area where the Saints have often been criticized is their inability to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback. While they have had players like Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport on the defensive line, the Saints have been searching for a dynamic pass rusher who can make an impact in crucial situations, particularly in the postseason. This is where Young could come into play.
Chase Young would bring an elite talent to the Saints’ defensive front, complementing players like Jordan and Davenport and giving New Orleans a much-needed boost in its pass rush. His presence could free up other defenders to make plays, as opposing offenses would have to account for Young’s ability to disrupt plays from anywhere on the field. Moreover, his ability to set the edge against the run would help strengthen a defense that has already proven to be effective but could become even more dangerous with his inclusion.
For the Saints, adding Young would not only bolster their defensive line but also give them the kind of game-changing player they need to make a serious push for the playoffs and beyond. With an offense that has shown flashes of brilliance but still faces questions, particularly at the quarterback position, the Saints’ defense will be critical to their success in 2025 and beyond. Young’s ability to change the course of a game with a sack or forced turnover could be just what New Orleans needs to put them over the top in the NFC South.
The Impact of Injuries: Can Young Return to Form?
One of the primary concerns surrounding the potential return of Chase Young to the NFL, especially with a team like the Saints, is his injury history. As mentioned earlier, Young has dealt with a torn ACL, a patellar tendon injury, and a series of smaller ailments throughout his career. These injuries have kept him from consistently being the dominant force that he was during his rookie season, leading some to question whether he can ever return to that level.
However, there’s reason for optimism. Young is just 24 years old and is still in the prime of his career. Modern advancements in sports medicine and rehabilitation programs have helped many players recover from serious injuries and come back as strong as ever. If Young is able to regain his full health, there is little doubt that he can return to being one of the most disruptive defensive players in the league.
For the Saints, this is a risk worth taking. While Young’s injury history may give some teams pause, the potential reward of adding a player of his caliber to the defensive line far outweighs the risks. If he stays healthy, Young could be the key to unlocking the full potential of the Saints’ defense, allowing them to compete with the best teams in the NFC.
The Negotiation Process: What Would a Potential Deal Look Like?
While the reports indicate that Chase Young is open to a return to the New Orleans Saints, the specifics of any potential deal remain unclear. Given Young’s high-profile status as a former No. 2 overall pick, it’s expected that the Saints would need to make a significant investment to acquire him. However, the question remains whether Young would command a long-term contract with the Saints or if he would sign a shorter, prove-it deal to prove that he can stay healthy and return to form.
The Saints have a relatively healthy cap situation compared to other teams, meaning they could potentially offer Young a deal that is both financially attractive and team-friendly. A one- or two-year deal with incentives for playing time, sacks, and other performance-based metrics could be a good way to ensure both sides are protected while still giving Young the opportunity to earn a lucrative contract if he returns to his Pro Bowl-level form.
It’s also possible that Young could be interested in joining a team like the Saints on a short-term deal to showcase his skills and return to the market in a year or two when the salary cap has increased, allowing him to secure a more lucrative, long-term contract with another team or the Saints themselves. Whatever the specifics, the Saints would need to weigh the potential for injury against the upside of adding a superstar defensive talent like Young.
A Unique Opportunity for Both Sides
The idea of Chase Young joining the New Orleans Saints could be a win-win situation for both the player and the franchise. For Young, this is an opportunity to join a team with a strong defensive identity and a chance to show that he is still one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. The Saints would benefit from adding a dynamic player who could be the missing piece to push their defense over the top and potentially make a deep playoff run.
Furthermore, Young’s presence would not only boost the defense but could also help mentor some of the younger defensive players on the team. His experience, especially in high-pressure situations, could prove invaluable to the development of the Saints’ younger defensive stars. Additionally, his leadership qualities and professionalism could help elevate the entire locker room culture.
The Future for Chase Young and the Saints
As the offseason progresses, the buzz surrounding a potential return for Chase Young to the New Orleans Saints is only expected to grow. If both sides can come to terms on a deal, the NFL could be looking at a dangerous defensive front that combines Young’s athleticism and pass-rushing ability with the proven talents of veteran players like Cameron Jordan. The combination of established leadership and youthful exuberance could be the key to the Saints reclaiming their status as one of the most dominant teams in the NFC.
For Young, this could be the start of a new chapter in his career—one that will define whether he can recover from his past injuries and live up to the potential that once made him one of the most coveted defensive players in the NFL. The Saints’ organization, known for its resilience and high expectations, may offer the perfect environment for Young to prove himself and take his game to new heights.
Ultimately, Chase Young’s return to the New Orleans Saints remains an intriguing possibility that could shape the future of both the player and the franchise. Whether or not it happens, one thing is clear: NFL fans should be keeping a close eye on the situation as it unfolds. If Young and the Saints can come together, it could be the beginning of something special for both sides.
