The New Orleans Saints signed defensive end Chase Young to a 3 year $51 million deal, with $33 million guaranteed this offseason. This move left many analysts scratching their heads, including Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox who believes that the signing ranks in the top 10 worst contracts ahead of the 2025 season.
Knox focused on the $17 million per year and believes that type of money should be spent on an upper level pass rusher. "Paying $17 million per season for an upper-tier pass-rusher isn't egrigious. However, Young hasn't been a Pro Bowl player since his 2020 rookie season", Knox stated.
Young hasn't lived up to the number 1 pick hype
Chase Young is a former number 1 overall draft pick selected by the Washington Commanders in 2020. Young was voted the Defensive Rookie of the Year and selected to the Pro Bowl after he recorded 44 tackles, 7.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles in his debut season. Since then, it has been a struggle for him to regenerate this success. Young has only tallied 22 sacks in 60 career games.
The Saints signed Young to a 1 year $13 million prove it deal back in 2024. Young recorded 21 tackles and 5.5 sacks. Although the numbers are a bit disappointing, Young was still able to disrupt quarterbacks, recording 73 pressures, per Next Gen Stats.
The Chase Young deal seems to be fair
Even though Young hasn't been able to live up to the hype of being a first overall pick, he's still been a serviceable starter throughout his career. There are still moments that flash on tape highlighting his potential. Young is only 26 years old and hasn't quite entered his prime just yet, so it is a bit premature to write him off as a Pro Bowl caliber player.
This ranking seems like a bit of an exaggeration, it isn't like Young is being paid as a top tier pass rusher. Young's contract is tied for the 19th highest in the league. In fact, the upper echelon edge rushers are making double the salary that he makes. Young's contract is certainly not amongst the leagues worst deals.
Young is looking to build off of a promising 2024 season with new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. The Saints got Young on a pretty fair deal and it could turn into a slam dunk if he is able to get back to being the Pro Bowl player he once was.