Opposing offenses beware: Chase Young is coming. The seven-year veteran showcased his dominance during the New Orleans Saints’ joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday, August 13, by racking up a self-proclaimed six sacks. He was the clear star of practice and didn’t just draw the attention of the media, but of everyone on the field.
Young was unopposed against the Jaguars, penetrating the backfield at will. His rare combination of agility and power made it nearly impossible for Jacksonville to grab hold of him. It bodes well for the Saints’ defense for Young to develop into a commanding presence capable of taking over a game.
Young has already been on Saints fans’ radar, as he tallied 10 sacks and 49 pressures in his 12 games last year. However, he isn’t widely considered a top-10 edge rusher in the league, which may not last for long. He’s primed for a breakout season and can establish himself as a superstar in 2026.
Julian Blackmon commented on Chase Young’s performance and alluded to him taking a leadership role.
Julian Blackmon, a seven-year veteran, didn’t withhold his praise for Chase Young after practice. He emphasized Young’s development both on and field.
“He’s a beast. I haven’t played with a defensive end as dominant as Chase. Honestly, a lot of our plays are credited to the d-line,” Blackmon said. “The steps that he’s been taking as a leader is something we all look forward to. We’re excited to see what he can do.”
After Blackmon’s comments, it’s clear that the locker room views Young as a leader beyond merely a dominating presence. The Saints have had Cameron Jordan in this role for the past 15 years, but the veteran is likely facing retirement after this offseason. As a result, they must find his successor, and it appears Young is trending towards being it.
Obviously, it’s irrational to assume all of this from one impressive joint practice. But that’s not what this is. Young has shown this ability throughout the past two years in New Orleans; his performance this offseason just further emphasizes it. So, 2026 will be pivotal in determining whether he can take the next step towards stardom and solidify himself as the future of the Saints’ defensive line.
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