Why the Saints should not let Chase Young leave New Orleans without a deal this week

Why?

The need is a major one for New Orleans. Of course, the decision is a two-sided one, though. Regardless, they need to work their tail off to find an agreement with young as soon as possible.

Carl Granderson was extended last year, but he has a limited ceiling as a pass rusher. On the flip-side, Cameron Jordan had his worst season as a pro in 2023. His play has declined, and 2024 could be his final season on the field. 

Young totaled 8.5 sacks and 17 QB hits last year, alongside 9 TFL. That would have tied Carl Granderson for the team lead in sacks and ranked second behind Granderson's 20 QB hits.

Plus, the Saints have the cap space to make it work now. We all know the work that Khai Harley, Mickey Loomis, and co. can do when it comes to contract details. Young won't come with a massive price tag, and he could be looking at a short-term deal. 

Check out A to Z's contract projection for Chase Young below.

Projected Contract: 1 yr, $15.5M, $15.5M APY, $15.5M GTD
Year One Cap Hit: $7.5M

The skinny: Finally healthy for the first time since his rookie season, Young once again showed the promise that made him the first overall pick in 2020. He ranked top-20 in Pro Football Focus’ pass rush win rate at 15.1% and his 41 pressures in true pass sets was 19th in the NFL among edge rushers.

Young has always been a high-floor, mid-ceiling player and that hasn’t changed much. But he has started to turn the narrative around his injuries. He will need one more season to fully put those concerns to bed so look for him to take a one-year deal to springboard him to a multi-year contract in 2025.

A deal like this one would work for the Saints, who currently have over $15M in cap space and could make more with additional restructures. 

New Orleans should do everything they can to get a deal done with Young this week to avoid more competition if he takes other visits next week.