The New Orleans Saints season has not gone as planned after starting 2-0. Since then, they’ve lost five consecutive games, suffering from countless injuries on both sides of the ball. With little hope to bounce back this season, the Saints might be sellers and trade former Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young. The Saints have plenty of pass rushers at their disposal, with longtime veterans Cameron Jordan, Carl Granderson, and Payton Turner, to name a few. If the Saints are open to trading Young, the Chicago Bears should seriously consider pursuing a deal.
Saints Could Trade Chase Young to the Bears
Reports Indicate the Bears Are Interested in Trading for a Pass Rusher
According to Erik Lambert of Sports Mockery, a source revealed that Bears General Manager Ryan Poles is exploring potential upgrades at defensive end. Two names caught Poles’ attention: Cleveland Browns All-Pro Myles Garrett and Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby. Both of them are on struggling teams, but both are also the face of the franchise for their respective teams. As much as Bears fans would love to see Garrett or Crosby in Chicago, a trade seems highly unlikely. Raiders owner Mark Davis shut down the Crosby trade rumors, stating “it’s just not happening.” It’s unclear what the Browns’ stance is on trading Garrett, but it’ll send shockwaves across the NFL if the Browns were to trade him. In contrast, a trade involving Chase Young and the Saints could be more plausible.
There’s History With the Bears Trying to Acquire Chase Young
It all began last offseason when reports surfaced that the Bears were interested in trading for one of the Washington Commanders’ pass rushers. Speculation surrounded both Chase Young and Montez Sweat, but in the end, the Bears acquired Sweat for a second-round pick, while Young was traded to the San Francisco 49ers for a third-round pick. Fast forward to the 2024 offseason, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler once again reported that the Bears were expected to pursue Young in free agency. However, Young ultimately signed a one-year deal with the Saints, and that was the end of it.
Since then, Sweat has thrived, signing a lucrative four-year, $98 million contract and racking up multiple sacks. Meanwhile, Young has struggled to recapture the form he showed in his rookie season. The Bears could offer Young a real opportunity to revitalize his career by joining one of the NFL’s top defenses, playing alongside Sweat, and forming a dynamic duo that was even better than their days in Washington.
Consider the Bears’ recent acquisition, safety Kevin Byard. After a disappointing year with the Philadelphia Eagles, Byard joined the Bears and is currently ranked as the 4th highest-graded safety in the NFL by PFF. He’s also 5th in coverage and 10th in passer rating allowed. If a 31-year-old safety can rejuvenate his career, there’s no reason a 25-year-old former second-overall pick like Young can’t do the same.
Potential Trade Details
Chicago Bears Receive: Chase Young
New Orleans Saints Receive: 2025 Fifth-Round Pick, 2025 Seventh-Round Pick
Main Image: Stephen Lew – USA Today Sports
