By Niles Carpenter, Saints Contributor
The New Orleans Saints are gearing up for a pivotal visit this week, as they host free-agent pass rusher Chase Young, a move signaling their serious interest in bolstering their defensive line. Young, the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year and former No. 2 overall pick, has also scheduled a visit with the Carolina Panthers, according to sources.
Despite a promising start with the Washington Commanders, where he clinched top defensive rookie honors, Young’s career trajectory took a hit due to significant injuries, including a torn ACL and a ruptured patellar tendon. These setbacks limited his impact and ultimately led to his departure from Washington at the trade deadline, followed by a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers, where his contributions were modest.
At just 24, Young is seen as one of the most tantalizing free agents available, possessing immense upside that the Saints are keen to capitalize on. New Orleans, which last season relied heavily on Carl Granderson and a hampered Cameron Jordan for edge pressure, is in dire need of rejuvenation in this area. The potential addition of Young could provide a significant boost, complementing the existing talent including first-round pick Payton Turner and second-rounder Isaiah Foskey. Amidst this backdrop, Jordan’s confident tweet about Young’s likelihood of choosing New Orleans over Carolina underscores the high stakes and competitive nature of the pursuit. The Saints’ defensive strategy hinges on this key acquisition, as they look to infuse youth and vitality into their ranks.