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Humor and Quirks
Source : (remove) : The Sporting News
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Humor and Quirks
Source : (remove) : The Sporting News
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Commanders' former No. 2 overall pick QB dealing with nagging injury

Chase Young Joins Saints: A Fresh Start for the Former Commanders Star

In a move that signals a potential resurgence for one of the NFL's most promising defensive talents, Chase Young, the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has agreed to terms with the New Orleans Saints. The deal, reported as a one-year contract worth up to $13 million, represents a calculated risk for both the player and the team as Young looks to rebuild his career after a tumultuous few seasons marked by injuries and inconsistency.

Young's journey to this point has been a rollercoaster. Selected by the Washington Commanders (then known as the Washington Football Team) with the second overall pick out of Ohio State, he burst onto the scene with an impressive rookie campaign. That year, he recorded 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries, earning him the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism drew comparisons to elite edge rushers like Khalil Mack and Von Miller, and he quickly became a cornerstone of Washington's defensive line alongside players like Montez Sweat and Jonathan Allen.

However, Young's promising start was derailed by a devastating injury in November 2021. During a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he suffered a torn ACL and a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee, an injury that sidelined him for nearly a full year. The recovery process was arduous, involving multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. When he finally returned to the field in late 2022, Young appeared in just three games, showing flashes of his old self but struggling to regain his explosive form. The 2023 season began with high hopes, but limited production—only 1.5 sacks in the first half of the year—led to speculation about his future with the Commanders.

Midway through the 2023 season, Washington made the decision to trade Young to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a conditional third-round draft pick. The move was part of a broader sell-off by the Commanders, who also traded Sweat to the Chicago Bears, signaling a rebuild under new ownership and management. For Young, the trade to San Francisco offered a chance to join one of the league's top defenses and contribute to a Super Bowl contender. Paired with stars like Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, and Fred Warner, he was expected to thrive in a system that could maximize his pass-rushing abilities.

During his stint with the 49ers, Young played in nine regular-season games and three playoff contests, including Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs. He tallied 2.5 sacks and provided valuable depth on the edge, helping San Francisco's defense rank among the league's best. While his numbers weren't eye-popping, there were encouraging signs of progress. Young displayed improved burst off the line and better technique in run defense, suggesting that he was shaking off the rust from his extended absence. Teammates and coaches praised his work ethic and positive attitude, with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan noting in post-season comments that Young had "shown he can still be a dominant force when healthy."

Entering free agency, Young drew interest from several teams looking for edge-rushing help on short-term deals. The Saints, coming off a 9-8 season that fell short of playoff expectations, were particularly aggressive in pursuing defensive reinforcements. New Orleans has been retooling its defense under coordinator Dennis Allen, who also serves as head coach. The unit struggled with consistency last season, ranking in the middle of the pack in sacks and points allowed. Adding Young addresses a key need opposite veteran Cam Jordan, who at 34 is entering the twilight of his career. The Saints' defensive line, which includes players like Carl Granderson and Bryan Bresee, could form a formidable rotation with Young's addition, potentially elevating the group's overall pressure rate.

The one-year structure of the deal is telling. For Young, now 24 years old, it's an opportunity to prove his worth on a "prove-it" contract. If he stays healthy and performs at a high level, he could command a lucrative long-term extension next offseason. The contract's value—base salary with incentives tied to performance metrics like sacks and playing time—reflects the uncertainty surrounding his injury history but also the upside he brings. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has a track record of taking chances on talented players with something to prove, and this signing fits that mold. It also aligns with the team's strategy of building around quarterback Derek Carr and a revamped offense while shoring up defensive weaknesses.

From a broader perspective, Young's career trajectory highlights the volatility of the NFL, especially for high draft picks. Drafted amid immense hype after a dominant college career at Ohio State—where he amassed 16.5 sacks in his final season and finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting—Young was seen as a can't-miss prospect. His early success validated that assessment, but the injury setback tested his resilience. Now, with the Saints, he joins a franchise hungry for a return to contention in the NFC South, a division that has been wide open in recent years. The team has made other offseason moves, such as signing safety Tyrann Mathieu to an extension and drafting young talent, but Young's potential impact could be the most transformative if he recaptures his rookie-year magic.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Young can stay on the field and deliver consistent production. His athletic gifts remain evident: at 6-foot-5 and 264 pounds, he possesses rare bend and power that can disrupt opposing offenses. If he meshes well with the Saints' scheme, which emphasizes aggressive blitz packages and stunts, New Orleans could boast one of the more dynamic pass-rushing duos in the league with Young and Jordan. Conversely, another injury-plagued season could complicate his market value moving forward.

For the Commanders, Young's departure is a chapter closed in what has been a period of transition. The team, now under head coach Dan Quinn and with a new quarterback likely incoming via the draft, is focused on rebuilding its defensive identity. Trading Young allowed them to acquire assets for the future, but it also serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in investing heavily in injury-prone players.

As training camp approaches, Young's signing injects optimism into the Saints' outlook. It's a low-risk, high-reward gamble that could pay dividends if he returns to form. For Young himself, this is more than just a contract—it's a chance at redemption, a opportunity to silence doubters and reestablish himself as one of the premier defensive ends in football. The NFL is full of comeback stories, and if Young's health cooperates, he might just author one of the most compelling ones in 2024. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full The Sporting News Article at:
[ https://sports.yahoo.com/article/commanders-former-no-2-overall-175818296.html ]