After a disappointing rookie season, the Las Vegas Raiders cut defensive tackle Byron Young just one year after selecting him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Something of a head-scratching selection at the time, then-head coach Josh McDaniels believed the Alabama product could overcome his relatively unremarkable physical measurements and become a steadying presence along the defensive line. That didn’t happen, as Young finished his Raiders career with four tackles in six games without making a single start.
This isn’t what anyone wanted out of Byron Young, and third-round picks cut after one season generally don’t work out in different environments. However, someone should take a chance on the second-year pro, as it likely won’t cost anything more than a spot on the practice squad. While every team could use at least a little help along the defensive line, these five organizations make the most sense for the defensive tackle.
5 Teams That Could Sign Byron Young After Unceremonious Cut
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens led the NFL in sacks last year, but they’ll struggle to replicate that success in 2024. While the team retained star defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, they lost several key free agents along the defensive line and couldn’t replace all the departed players. Byron Young cannot fill all these gaps himself, but the recently cut playmaker could be a nice depth addition along this defensive line. Nobody is better at getting the most out of players than the Baltimore Ravens, so Young could turn it around with one of the league’s best coaching staffs.
Carolina Panthers
As is usually the case for a team that finished with a 2-15 record, the Carolina Panthers entered the offseason with weaknesses throughout their roster. The team justifiably spent most of their resources on offense, trading for Diontae Johnson, spending big on guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, and using their first-round pick on wide receiver Xavier Legette. These additions came at a cost, as the defensive line remains one of the worst in football. Derrick Brown is a superstar, but he could use a competent partner. Byron Young couldn’t cut it in Vegas, but perhaps he can thrive paired next to a defensive tackle who will see most of the double teams.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have their work cut out for them in 2024, and Byron Young could help ease the burden on this franchise. With J.J. McCarthy sidelined for the entire 2024 campaign, the Vikings will need their defense to compensate for what will likely be an underwhelming passing attack. Minnesota addressed their secondary concerns with Stephon Gilmore but could still use more reinforcements along the defensive line. Young won’t singlehandedly turn this group into the Purple People Eaters, but the former third-round pick could add some support to one of the league’s weaker defensive lines.
Arizona Cardinals
Rome wasn’t built in a day, which is why nobody should be surprised that the Arizona Cardinals struggled to do much of anything last year under first-year head coach Jonathan Gannon. However, now that Kyler Murray is fully healthy and Marvin Harrison Jr is in town, the Cardinals have the offensive firepower to surprise some folks in 2024. However, if they want to push for the playoffs, they’ll need a better defense. Byron Young couldn’t get the job done with Vegas, but perhaps the recently cut tackle could thrive in a new environment.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have one of the league’s elite defensive tackles in Chris Jones, but not much else along the interior. Kansas City’s roster remains one of the best in the league as they go for their third Super Bowl win in as many seasons, but you can never have too much talent along the defensive line. The discrepancy in head coaching ability between Andy Reid and Josh McDaniels is about as wide as you can get in the NFL, so perhaps the Chiefs can get more out of Byron Young than their division rivals.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
