Chase Young has struggled to get back to the success he had back in his rookie year after coming out of the 2020 NFL Draft as the No. 2 overall pick. The 26-year-old has begun 2025 on the right track with the New Orleans Saints, hoping to string together another healthy year, with an uptick in production.
The 2024 season was the first that Young has been healthy for the duration of the season without a major injury keeping him off the field. After agreeing upon a three-year, $51 million contract to stick with the Saints this offseason, the expectation is to build on a successful year.
Despite dealing with a litany of injuries each year after his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2020, the former Ohio State Buckeye knows what he’s capable of, and seems to be on a mission to get back to 100 percent.
Other Pieces to the Puzzle Could Make All the Difference
With the Saints bringing in Brandon Staley to be the team’s defensive coordinator, there is a new opportunity for Chase Young to thrive. Staley has had success at getting after the quarterback off the edge throughout his coaching career, and could help re-unlock Young.
The defensive line also saw a few new additions this offseason, with defensive tackle Davon Godchaux being a big signing in terms of helping defend the run. The big presence in the middle of the defensive line should allow Young to pin his ears back and focus on rushing the passer.
“[Young’s] relentless getting after the quarterback,” Godchaux said. “We’re [going to] need that; When guys like me stop the run on early downs, we need a guy like him to come on third downs and end it and get off the field… I’m excited to play with him this year; I can’t wait.”
Carl Granderson coming off the opposite edge also helps Young’s ability to have success. With a pairing that can both hold their own in one-on-one matchups, it creates a mismatch where, if one is double-teamed, it leaves the other with an opening.
Realistic Expectations for Young’s Sixth Season
Training camp has gone well for Chase Young to begin the 2025 campaign, stacking together days and weeks of solid work to improve. His willingness to give practice his all has caught the attention of the coaching staff.
2024 was a year of progress for Young, finishing the season in the top 10 in quarterback hurries in the NFL with 14. He also totaled 34 pressures, which put him within the top 15 across the league.
Young only had 5.5 sacks on the season, which ranks 60th, but he consistently got into the backfield and created havoc. Maybe the biggest positive stat that came from last season was Young’s ability to stay on the field, playing 63 percent of the Saints’ snaps, the highest percentage since his rookie year.
That rookie season saw Young walk away with 7.5 sacks, 24 hurries and 10 pressures. He added four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries, including one taken back for a touchdown. His big break into the NFL resulted in a Defensive Rookie of the Year nod, along with a Pro Bowl appearance.
Even though it was six seasons ago at this point, Young still has the ability to re-cement himself as one of the league’s premier edge rushers. At only 26 years old, Young is being paid in the top 20 of edge contracts, and has all the potential and backing from his team to earn back his respect.
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