Saints Lose Second-Overall Pick Chase Young to Division Rival Dallas Cowboys
January 24, 2025 – New Orleans, LA – In a stunning turn of events that has left fans and analysts across the NFL buzzing, the New Orleans Saints have officially lost their second-overall pick, defensive standout Chase Young, to their bitter division rival, the Dallas Cowboys. This trade, which came as a shock to many, is poised to shake up the NFC South and dramatically alter the balance of power in the division heading into the 2025 season.
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws near, the Saints were hoping to make a big splash with their high draft selection, but this unforeseen trade has sent shockwaves through the league. The Cowboys, long known for their aggressive approach to player acquisition, have made their move, and in doing so, they have potentially added one of the most dynamic pass rushers in the game to their already formidable defensive line.
Let’s dive into the details of the trade, the impact it will have on both teams, and what it means for the NFC South moving forward.
The Trade: Saints Ship Chase Young to Cowboys
On January 23, 2025, the New Orleans Saints officially announced that they had traded their second-overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a significant haul of draft picks and a promising young player. The deal broke down as follows:
- Dallas Cowboys received: Chase Young, the second-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- New Orleans Saints received: Dallas’ 2025 first-round pick (10th overall), a 2026 second-round pick, and **Cowboys’ linebacker Leighton Vander Esch.
The deal has left many within the Saints’ organization and fanbase questioning the logic behind moving off such a highly coveted draft asset, especially when the team is in desperate need of defensive talent. After a disappointing 2024 campaign that saw the Saints miss the playoffs once again, the team was eager to use their high draft pick to find a game-changing player who could immediately contribute. However, the decision to trade away that opportunity in favor of future picks and an established linebacker speaks to the Saints’ long-term plans, which are still in flux after their fourth consecutive playoff-less season.
For Dallas, the move was clear: bolster an already potent defense with a talent like Young, who has the potential to be a cornerstone pass rusher for the team for years to come. With their own defensive line featuring the likes of Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence, the addition of Young gives the Cowboys one of the most fearsome front sevens in the NFL. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has consistently put together dominant defenses in Dallas, and now with the acquisition of Young, the Cowboys’ defense could take another leap forward, potentially giving them an edge over their NFC rivals.
Chase Young’s Impact and Potential
Chase Young’s potential to transform a defense is undeniable. Drafted second overall by the Washington Commanders in the 2020 NFL Draft, Young burst onto the scene as one of the most electrifying edge rushers in the NFL. Over his first two seasons, he established himself as a leader in Washington’s defense, accumulating 20 sacks and earning multiple Pro Bowl selections.
However, Young’s career took a detour in 2022 when he suffered a torn ACL, causing him to miss a significant portion of the season. Although he returned to action in 2023, he never quite regained his elite form, with injuries continuing to hamper his performance. Still, at only 24 years old, Young possesses the raw physical traits that have scouts drooling: exceptional speed off the edge, a relentless motor, and the ability to dominate offensive tackles.
In 2024, Young showed glimpses of his previous form, tallying 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, solidifying his place as one of the most talented pass rushers in the league. With the right coaching and a change of scenery, many believe that Young has the ability to reclaim his spot among the NFL’s elite pass rushers and become a nightmare for quarterbacks across the league. For Dallas, getting a player with Young’s upside could be a potential game-changer for a defense that already boasts talent at nearly every level.
While Young is still developing as a player, there is little doubt that he could thrive in Dallas’ system, playing alongside Parsons, Lawrence, and the other dynamic playmakers in their front seven. The Cowboys are known for their aggressive defense, and Young’s presence will only make it more dangerous for opposing quarterbacks.
Impact on the Saints
For the New Orleans Saints, this trade has raised eyebrows for a number of reasons. First, the Saints were hoping to land a top-tier player with their second-overall pick, and many had speculated that they would be in the market for a franchise-altering player, possibly selecting a player like Will Johnson, the top cornerback in the draft, or Javon Bullard, the top safety prospect. Instead, they now find themselves without one of the most talented defensive players in the 2025 class.
The Saints’ defense, while still respectable, has been inconsistent in recent seasons, and the loss of a game-changer like Young certainly doesn’t help. The team has needed a top-tier edge rusher to complement their strong secondary and defensive front, and Young could have been the perfect addition to put the defense over the top. However, the decision to trade for future draft picks suggests that New Orleans is building for the future rather than going all-in on the 2025 season.
The Saints will now need to get creative with their draft strategy to find a player who can make an immediate impact, but the loss of the second-overall pick is a major blow to their efforts. The team’s salary cap situation also complicates matters, as New Orleans has been working hard to clear cap space to remain competitive in the coming years.
With their current roster in flux, it’s possible that the Saints could be looking to build around a younger core, starting with quarterback Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 Draft. The team could opt to focus on offensive weapons or bolster their offensive line, which has been a sore spot in recent years.
A Major Blow to the NFC South Rivalry
The ramifications of this trade go beyond just the Saints and Cowboys. The NFC South rivalry has been heating up for years, with the Saints and the Cowboys often finding themselves at odds in key matchups. By trading for Chase Young, the Cowboys have not only bolstered their defense but also potentially made it more difficult for the Saints to compete in their own division.
With the Saints already facing challenges from the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Cowboys’ move to snag one of the most coveted defensive players in the NFL sends a clear message: Dallas is all-in for the 2025 season, and they’re not afraid to make bold moves to ensure success.
For New Orleans, the trade with Dallas could leave them in a more precarious position than originally expected. With a top-tier pass rusher now out of their grasp, the Saints will have to reevaluate their strategy and focus on building a defense that can contend with the likes of the Cowboys and other NFC contenders.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams
For the Cowboys, the addition of Chase Young could be the final piece to an already elite defense. With Parsons and Lawrence leading the charge, Young’s arrival gives Dallas one of the most fearsome defensive lines in the NFL. The Cowboys are poised to make another deep playoff run in 2025, and with Young on board, they could very well become one of the top contenders in the NFC.
As for the Saints, the focus now shifts to the future. While they may have lost out on a top-tier defensive player, they are still in a position to build a competitive roster through smart draft picks and cap management. With their second-overall pick now gone, New Orleans will need to regroup and shift focus toward their offensive and defensive needs, looking to find their next franchise-altering player in the draft.
The NFC South remains one of the most unpredictable divisions in the league, and with the addition of Chase Young to Dallas’ defense, the balance of power could shift dramatically in the coming season. The Saints, meanwhile, will need to dig deep if they hope to remain competitive in a division that just got a lot more difficult to navigate.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on both the Saints and Cowboys to see how their respective strategies unfold. One thing is certain: this trade has changed the landscape of the NFC South and could have lasting implications for years to come.
