Former second-overall pick Chase Young is an impending free agent following a one-year stint with the New Orleans Saints, and one reporter believes the Ohio State product will not return for the 2025 season. Widely considered to be one of the best pass-rushing prospects in recent memory when he entered the league, Young has never lived up to that potential but has developed into an adequate starter. Last year, the veteran finished his season with 5.5 sacks, 31 tackles, eight tackles-for-loss, and 21 quarterback hits.
While he won’t receive a $20 million per year extension, Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated believes the cash-strapped Saints won’t be able to retain Chase Young as a free agent. In a recent article, the NFL analyst broke down why he believes Young will leave for greener pastures in the coming weeks.
“Young feels like a grizzled veteran, but he’s just 25 years old after five NFL seasons…with a pedigree that includes a Defensive Rookie of the Year award, Young’s market is fascinating.”
Chase Young Could Leave Saints As A Free Agent – Chiefs, Panthers, Chargers Could Steal Him
If Chase Young receives even the slightest bit of interest as a free agent, the Saints will probably lose him. Currently $47.4 million over the projected salary cap, New Orleans must restructure several contracts before they even begin to consider extending their own free agents. Even once they get under the salary cap, first-year head coach Kellen Moore might want to commit to a rebuild and use 2025 as a reset year.
Young isn’t the Hall of Fame talent everyone thought he would be back in 2020, but the veteran should receive interest on the open market. If he leaves New Orleans, the following three teams could make a move.
Possible Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs could use another edge defender to line up opposite former first-round pick George Karlaftis. While defensive tackle Chris Jones remains one of the game’s top defensive tackles, the Chiefs could use another reliable force along the defensive line. Chase Young may not be perfect, but the free agent is considerably better than first-round bust Felix Anudike-Uzomah and underwhelming trade acquisition Josh Uche.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers fixed the offense last year, and now it’s time to turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball. Carolina might have the worst front seven in football, and Chase Young won’t singlehandedly fix this unit. However, signing him would be a good starting point, and his presence combined with the return of Derrick Brown and a potential top-1o pick could give the Panthers an adequate defensive line in 2025.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers could lose Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa in the coming weeks, despite their $66.4 million in salary cap space. This defensive line could look dramatically different in 2025, and Chase Young could be the next fixture in Jim Harbaugh’s defense. Harbaugh excels at getting the most out of his players, so if Young is ever going to match his pre-draft hype, it will probably be with the Chargers.
Main Photo: Brad Penner – Imagn Images
