Saints’ $13 Million Star Expected to Depart in Free Agency
The New Orleans Saints are preparing for a busy offseason, with 18 players currently set to become free agents. That number could change if the team decides to release additional players before free agency begins. Among their top pending free agents, 25-year-old edge rusher Chase Young stands out as the biggest name hitting the open market.
Young signed a one-year, $13 million contract last season and is expected to command an even larger deal this offseason. According to Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame, Young is unlikely to return to New Orleans.
“Chase Young feels like a seasoned veteran, but he’s only 25 after six NFL seasons,” Verderame noted. “In his lone year with the Saints, he recorded 5.5 sacks and 21 quarterback hits. With a Defensive Rookie of the Year award on his résumé, his market will be intriguing. Expect him to land a one-year deal with significant upside.”
Young has remained healthy for the past two seasons after injuries limited him to just 12 games combined in 2021 and 2022. Given his recent durability and production, he is likely to secure a lucrative contract in free agency. Unless the Saints make major salary cap adjustments, they may struggle to afford him. Now, the question remains—how should New Orleans proceed?
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