Monday was the best day of the offseason for the New Orleans Saints, as they signed veteran defensive end Chase Young to a one-year deal. Hopes were high, as New Orleans addressed one of its biggest needs, with a talented young player that expressed how excited he was to be in New Orleans. Unfortunately, there has already hit a bump in the road.
On Tuesday, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that Chase Young will undergo a neck procedure soon, and the procedure will sideline him into training camp. However, the expectation is that Young will be ready in time for the season.
New Saints DE Chase Young, who signed his one-year, $13 million deal with New Orleans today, is undergoing a neck procedure that is expected to sideline him into training camp, per sources. The expectation is that he will return in time for the season. Teams were aware of his… pic.twitter.com/I2saUzLFhp
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2024
Chase Young to undergo neck procedure
This obviously isn’t ideal, but according to Schefter’s report, it’s not a surprise to New Orleans. Schefter explained that all interested teams were aware of Young’s neck issue, but the Saints still felt comfortable guaranteeing him $13 million for one season, so they obviously expect him to be available for the majority of the year.
Naturally, this announcement will lead to concerns for Young’s availability and ability, and also criticism for New Orleans. It’s just the latest chapter in Young’s career that has been defined by talent and injuries. After being selected with the No. 2 pick in 2020, Young had 7.5 sacks as a rookie and made the Pro Bowl.
Unfortunately, he would only play in 12 total games over the next two seasons because of a knee injury. In 2021, he tore the ACL and patellar tendon in his right knee. Young also suffered a neck stinger in a 2023 preseason game, which led to him missing the season opener, but he ultimately played 16 games last season.
Now, he’ll undergo this neck procedure and try to get back healthy in time for New Orleans’ season opener. Based on the reporting, it sounds like he won’t be able to participate in the offseason activities for the Saints. With training camp not until late July, this will be something that’s monitored throughout the offseason.