Former defensive rookie of the year linked to New Orleans Saints in possible free agency splash
The New Orleans Saints were unable to qualify for the postseason the previous season after dropping two tiebreakers. The organization can sign defensive end Chase Young away from the San Francisco 49ers in order to make up for that error.
The NFL playoffs have eluded the Saints for the third straight season. Derek Carr ended up wasting yet another season that could have been leveraged to make a serious postseason push.
Following an offensive that is ninth in the league and a defense that is ranked eighth out of 32 teams, the Saints had a poor conclusion. New Orleans finished in the top 10 on both sides of the ball, but they were still unable to make the playoffs.
A viable strategy to keep the team competitive is to add skilled players through free agency. Chase Young of the 49ers is one of them, and he will strengthen the Saints’ defensive line.
Why Signing Chase Young in Free Agency Is Essential For The New Orleans Saints
There can always be improvement, even with the Saints’ NFL defense ranking eighth. More details were provided by Aaron Schatz in his ESPN article:
Given that New Orleans placed 31st in both the adjusted sack rate and pass rush win rate, it is clear that there is a major need here. The Saints need to locate an edge rusher that fits their budget among the many talented free agents. Perhaps Young should sign a one-year prove-it contract. In 2021 and 2022, he struggled to maintain his health, and in 2023, although recording 7.5 sacks, his performance declined following his trade to San Francisco in the middle of the season.
With a 19.3% pass rush win rate off the edge, Young was ranked fifteenth among edge rushers; however, that number dropped from 24.8% while he was with Washington to just 12.9% with San Francisco (through the playoffs). Young could play opposite Cameron Jordan on a one-year contract with New Orleans and demonstrate that he still possesses all the skills that landed him the No. 2 overall choice in 2020, according to Schatz.
The Saints will have a huge victory if they acquire Young from San Francisco. The defensive end may still have an impact for New Orleans even on a one-year contract.
What the Saints decide to do or where Young ends up are still unknown. Either way, it would be wisest to monitor both individuals over the next few days.
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