Saints could face a tough decision if Chase Young dominates in the regular season

This offseason, the New Orleans Saints signed veteran defensive end Chase Young to a one-year prove it deal worth $13 million. Even though it’s a low stakes deal, a lot of people criticized the signing, arguing that Young isn’t really an impactful player, as he has underwhelmed while dealing with injuries in recent years.

Now, as the Saints get ready to start the regular sesosn, Young is making the franchise look smart, while making critics eat their words. After healing up from an offseason neck surgery, the veteran defensive end has absolutely dominated in training camp and the preseason.

He has consistently made plays all over the field, and has recaptured the promise he had when he won Defensive Rookie of the Year. Of course, it’s just training camp and the preseason, but Young looks well on his way to being a game wrecker.

If that happens, the Saints will have a big decision to make. New Orleans will have to decide if it wants to extend Young, or let him finish the season and become a free agent. All things considered, it could be a complicated decision for the franchise.

Saints could face a complicated contract decision with Chase Young

If Young can stay healthy, and performs in the regular season like he has performed so far, a massive, multi-year contract is inevitable for him. The question is if it will be with the Saints or another team. New Orleans would be wise to extend him during the season, because waiting until free agency would force the Saints to match other teams’ offers, and New Orleans would risk losing Young.

However, the franchise’s future cap situation is looking rough, just as it has in past years. That, alone, will complicate a possible extension. Even if the Saints can figure it out cap space wise, the franchise has to think about the direction of the team. If 2024 is disappointing just like the last three seasons have been, the Saints will certainly enter a rebuild. Committing a ton of money to Young isn’t really a rebuilding move.

All of this is way ahead of where the Saints currently are, as they are focused on getting to the regular season. However, depending on how things unfold, these are the kind of conversations the team could be having once the trade deadline rolls around.

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