Chase Young’s three-year, $51 million deal with the New Orleans Saints has sparked skepticism among analysts, with some labeling it one of the most questionable moves of the offseason. While Young’s potential is undeniable, his inconsistent production and injury history have raised doubts about the wisdom of such a significant investment.
Young, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, entered the league with high expectations and delivered an impressive rookie season. However, he has struggled to replicate that success, failing to exceed his rookie sack total of 7.5 in subsequent seasons. A torn ACL in 2021 derailed his trajectory, limiting his availability and impact over the next two years.
After a midseason trade to the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, Young showed flashes of his potential, tallying 7.5 sacks between two teams. Despite this, his 2024 campaign with New Orleans was underwhelming. He recorded 5.5 sacks and 31 tackles, numbers that fail to justify the $17 million annual average of his new contract, according to critics.
Analysts have pointed to the team’s salary cap constraints and other pressing roster needs, suggesting the money could have been better allocated. Some experts argue that the team’s decision to gamble on Young’s upside, given his injury history and inconsistent performance, represents a significant risk. This has fueled debate about whether Young can live up to the expectations tied to his lucrative deal.
NFL Expert Questions Chase Young’s $51 Million Contract With New Orleans Saints
Young’s contract has come under scrutiny because of all the downsides to it. This is detailed more in an analysis by Kristopher Knox for Bleacher Report.
Compared to the contracts of players such as Garrett and Watt, Chase Young’s three-year, $51 million extension feels reasonable. However, it was strange to see him get that sort of deal this offseason following another good-not-great season.
Young, to be clear, hasn’t had anything resembling a “great” season since he was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2019. He had 7.5 sacks that season, a total he matched in 2023 while splitting time between the Commanders and San Francisco 49ers.
This past season, Young appeared in 17 games with the New Orleans Saints and finished with 5.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss. What made this a poor decision by New Orleans, though, was its cap situation.
The Saints entered free agency with several notable needs and a cap deficit. Though quarterback Derek Carr hadn’t retired yet, New Orleans had a new head coach in Kellen Moore and knew it was approaching some semblance of a rebuild. Given Young’s injury history and the state of the franchise, his extension represented a very unnecessary risk.
Supporters of the move highlight Young’s ability to generate consistent quarterback pressure, noting his career-high 21 quarterback hits in 2024. At just 25 years old, his potential to develop into a reliable starter remains a key factor in the Saints’ gamble.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Young to prove his critics wrong. If he can stay healthy and deliver on his promise, the Saints’ investment may yet pay off.
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