Saints DE Chase Young makes a list every player in his predicament hopes to be on

Chase Young, in his first year with the New Orleans Saints, is entering the most important year of his career. At just 25 years old, the young defensive end already finds himself at a crossroads. Once excpected to be the future of the edge defender position in the NFL, Young’s four-year career has been significantly impacted by injuries.

That’s how he landed in New Orleans on a one-year deal worth $13 million. People aren’t sure about the next chapter of his story. Will he recapture the promise that was evident when he was the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year, or will he continue to be slowed down by injuries? This season will let us know, but if it’s the former, Young has a chance to get paid.

Brent Sobleski detailed this in a recent piece for Bleacher Report, highlighting 10 players on prove-it deals capable of cashing in. Young was one of the players listed.

Chase Young has a chance to cash in this season

Typically, players hope to avoid prove-it deals. However, if they end up playing on one, and you prove it, the outcome is great— that outcome being a massive, multi-year contract. That could be in Young’s future, depending on how he looks this season.

"Chase Young was supposed to be the NFL's next great, young defensive end, hence why the Washington Commanders drafted him with the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. But injuries have played their part, with questions about effort rising along the way... A healthy and motivated Young can be building block at a premium position."

- Brent Sobleski (Bleacher Report)

Fortunately for Young, and the Saints, he has looked like an elite edge defender this offseason. After undergoing a neck surgery to address an issue he played last season with, Young has been healthy and dominant, taking over practices and preseason games.

That has to continue into the regular season, and Young needs good health on his side. If both things happen, he will get a big contract. It’s unclear if the Saints will be able to pay him, but that won’t be Chase Young’s problem.

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