Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz reports that the New Orleans Saints are signing former Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers defensive end Chase Young. He became an unrestricted free agent last week.
Josina Anderson of CBS Sports adds that the Saints are giving Young a one-year deal worth up to $13 million.
The Commanders drafted Young (6-5, 264) out of Ohio State with the No. 2 overall pick in 2020. He registered 25 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, 15 quarterback hits, 7.5 sacks, and two passes defensed through 16 game appearances (six starts) with the 49ers and Commanders this past season, per Pro Football Reference.
The 49ers acquired him via a mid-season trade with the Commanders in exchange for a third-round pick in the upcoming draft.
"If the 49ers couldn't turn Young into a consistent force after acquiring him via midseason trade in 2023, what team can?" NFL Media's Gregg Rosenthal wrote. "In a best-case scenario, his power-without-a-plan approach could age the same way Jadeveon Clowney's game did. He looks more like a second or third rusher than a lead guy."
Young, 24, has recorded 100 tackles, 20 tackles for a loss, 32 quarterback hits, 16.5 sacks, nine passes defensed, and six forced fumbles in 43 game appearances (32 starts) over his four NFL seasons with the Commanders and 49ers. He was a Pro Bowl selection and named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020.
More must-reads: