The New Orleans Saints are bringing back edge rusher Chase Young with a three-year, $51 million contract, according to NFL Network on Monday. The deal could increase to $57 million with performance-based incentives.
Young, who was selected by the Washington Commanders as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, had an impressive rookie season in Washington, recording 7.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles. He earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and made the Pro Bowl.
However, injuries limited him to just 12 games over the next two seasons, and his performance suffered, totaling only 1.5 sacks in that span.
In 2023, Young bounced back with a strong start, registering five sacks and 18 quarterback pressures in seven games before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers. During his nine games with the 49ers, he recorded 2.5 sacks and seven quarterback pressures, including a sack in Super Bowl LVIII.
Last offseason, the Saints signed him to a one-year, $13 million contract, and the decision paid off. Young played in all 17 games, posting 5.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss. The 25-year-old generated consistent pressure, setting a career-high with 34 quarterback pressures and 21 quarterback hits, according to Pro Football Reference.