With most of the free agent pass rushers already signing deals with new teams, a select few organizations are left in a bidding war for former second-overall pick Chase Young. Originally selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, most analysts believed he was the best pass rushing prospect to enter the league since Myles Garrett. While he hasn’t come close to playing up to that level, the Ohio State product can consistently get after the quarterback when motivated. After all, there is a reason he won Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2020 and recorded five sacks in seven games with the Commanders last year.
However, effort and injuries are serious concerns with him. The edge defender only played in a combined 11 games during the 2021 and 2022 seasons and wasn’t particularly productive in either campaign, even when on the field. This could be overlooked, but the bigger issue is his motor. Chase Young joined the 49ers for the second half of the season, and the free agent took several plays off during the playoff run. While he had a good game in the Super Bowl, teams are understandably worried about giving him a long-term deal.
A high-risk, high-reward free agent like Chase Young is a perfect candidate for a one-year deal. While he has yet to choose his next team, the fine folks at Pro Football Network have assembled a list of five teams who should sign him – and there is a notable omission from the list.
Where's the best landing spot for former 2nd overall pick Chase Young? Let us know 👇 pic.twitter.com/i8r3nWwxbQ
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) March 17, 2024
NFL Site Gives 5 Landing Spots For Free Agent Chase Young
It’s easy to see why the New York Jets top the list of free agent destinations for Chase Young. The team needs someone to replace Bryce Huff, and they’re going to go all-in with a 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers under center. The Ravens still have several unsigned free agents, but if they lose Jadeveon Clowney, then they could easily go after Young.
The New Orleans Saints worked their usual devil magic to somehow leave the first wave of free agency with $16.69 million in cap space. After Isaiah Foskey failed to show much of anything as a rookie, the Saints could use a free agent like Chase Young to get pressure against their much-improved NFC South opponents.
The Titans are one of the most improved teams in free agency. While tackle is probably a bigger need than edge defender, they could sign Chase Young as a free agent and trust that a franchise left tackle will still be on the board with the seventh-overall pick. The Cowboys haven’t done much of anything in free agency, but they just restructured Dak Prescott’s contract, so maybe they’re getting ready to spend.
The Overlooked Team
All five of these teams could end up signing Chase Young as a free agent, but it’s interesting to see that the Carolina Panthers are not mentioned. Another one of the big spenders in free agency, the team has improved the offensive line with guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, traded for Diontae Johnson, and added A’Shawn Robinson and Josey Jewell to reinforce the defense.
The one thing they haven’t done, however, is find an adequate replacement for Brian Burns. While they did sign D.J. Wonnum and K’Lavon Chaisson, neither player is anything more than a replacement-level player. Chase Young has the potential to be a true difference-maker, and the team has already brought him in for a free agent visit. With over $19 million in cap space, the Panthers need a player like Young and the financial resources to keep him in town.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas – USA Today Sports
