NFL analyst argues that the Saints are the wrong team for Chase Young

The biggest signing for the New Orleans Saints this offseason was Chase Young, but one analyst is convinced New Orleans is the wrong team for Young.
Jan 7, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Chase Young (92) before
Jan 7, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Chase Young (92) before / Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
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The splash signing off free agency for the New Orleans Saints was defensive end Chase Young. Agreeing to a one-year deal worth $13 million with Young, the Saints didn't make any major signings before or after acquiring Young. However, there was still a great deal of excitement about adding Young, because he can address one of the team’s top needs: pass rushing.

Not everyone is as optimistic about the signing though. Obviously, there are some skeptics because Young underwent a neck procedure a few days after signing with the Saints, but, beyond that, there are people who think Chase Young is just a bad fit in New Orleans. Alex Kay, of Bleacher Report, is apart of that contingent.

Bleacher Report believes Chase Young is a bad fit for Saints

Kay recently wrote a piece naming five players who signed with the wrong team in free agency. The last player listed was Chase Young. Kay argued that this deal didn’t make sense for either side. Kay explained that it’s a bad deal for New Orleans because the team overpaid for Young. Even if Young does play up to his contract, Kay believes that the Saints will be unable to re-sign him to a long-term deal, making this signing virtually pointless since Kay doesn’t see New Orleans as a contender.

That’s also the reason Kay believes the Saints were a bad choice for Young, because the team isn’t set up to contend this season. These are certainly fair points to make, but it may be going a step too far to say the deal didn’t make sense for either side.

For starters, Young was searching for a short-term prove-it deal and he got that in New Orleans. That alone makes it the right team for him. Additionally, he’ll have the opportunity to really prove himself on a defensive line where he can get a ton of reps.

Also, the notion that the Saints can’t compete in the NFC South is a stretch. Sure, Kirk Cousns and the Atlanta Falcons may seem like the leaders in the division, but the division isn’t strong, and New Orleans tied for the best record in the division last season. The Saints knew they needed to make a few moves if they actually wanted to win the NFC South and that’s what they’re trying to do. If Chase Young is healthy, he will elevate New Orleans’ pass rush, and that makes this signing great for both sides.

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