Chase Young Reveals the Reason Behind $51 Million Contract He Signed With New Orleans After Strong First Season….
Chase Young Signs $51 Million Contract with New Orleans Saints After Breakout Season
Chase Young, the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has secured a three-year, $51 million contract extension with the New Orleans Saints, following a standout performance during the 2024 season. The deal includes $33 million in guaranteed money and could escalate to $57 million with performance-based incentives
A Strong Comeback
After a challenging period marked by injuries, including a significant ACL tear in 2021 that sidelined him for most of the 2022 season, Young’s career appeared uncertain. However, he made a remarkable recovery, playing all 17 games for the Saints in 2024. He recorded 5.5 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, and 21 quarterback hits, setting a new career high with 66 quarterback pressures
His performance was instrumental in the Saints’ defensive lineup, showcasing his resilience and determination to return to peak form.
The Decision to Re-Sign
Young expressed his enthusiasm about continuing his career with the Saints, citing the team’s winning culture as a significant factor in his decision. “The Saints are one of those places with a winning culture,” he stated. “That’s what I wanted to be around, and I feel like this was the place for me” .
The Saints’ coaching staff, including new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, also played a pivotal role in the decision. Staley’s defensive schemes are expected to align well with Young’s strengths, particularly in a 3-4 defensive formation, which is anticipated to maximize his impact on the field
Contract Structure and Implications
The structure of Young’s contract reflects both his potential and the team’s strategic planning. In 2025, he will earn a base salary of $1.17 million, a signing bonus of $17 million, and a total of $18.17 million in cash. The contract carries a cap hit of $6.84 million for the year .
The deal is designed to be team-friendly, with escalators tied to sack milestones in the 2026 and 2027 seasons, potentially adding up to $1 million per year if Young achieves 12 or more sacks. This structure provides the Saints with financial flexibility while offering Young incentives to perform at his highest level
Looking Ahead.
With his new contract in place, Young is poised to be a cornerstone of the Saints’ defense in the coming seasons. His combination of talent, work ethic, and alignment with the team’s defensive strategies positions him to make a significant impact on the field. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Young continues to develop and contribute to the Saints’ pursuit of success in the NFL.
In summary, Chase Young’s journey from a promising rookie to a resilient comeback story culminates in a lucrative contract extension with the New Orleans Saints. His dedication to overcoming adversity and his alignment with the team’s goals underscore the mutual commitment to achieving excellence in the seasons ahead.