The New Orleans Saints took a massive risk during the 2024 offseason when they signed edge rusher Chase Young to a one-year deal, knowing he needed neck surgery.
If his recovery would have been delayed, the Saints’ biggest free agent swing would have probably missed regular season time. Instead, his rehab went beautifully. Young worked extremely hard – as head coach Dennis Allen noted multiple times when asked about his recovery and return this offseason.
Young even went viral for his impressive physique this offseason, as he made his way back from the neck procedure. Now, the former first-round pick is putting it together on the football field, in pads, for the Saints.
Chase Young dominates at Saints practice on Tuesday
#Saints DE Chase Young had a heck of a day today.
Chase down Derek Carr for a sack in a play action bootleg (good sign for defending mobile QBs)
And blew up an end around to Chris Olave on a great play.
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) July 30, 2024
Saints made a calculated gamble to bring in Chase Young knowing he needed neck surgery. Considering we’re on Day 6 of camp and he’s basically a full participant and making an impact (still a little ramp-up left), they have to be feeling REAL good about that investment right now. pic.twitter.com/fdw9jVNDvp
— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) July 30, 2024
The consistency over the past few days for Young is what is most important. He’s not coming and going when it comes to impressing the coaching staff and media that are at practice. He is making an impact over and over, stacking good performances.
Plus, he was a full participant in team drills on Tuesday. That’s another step towards being a legitimate “full go” for the Saints.
stack good days pic.twitter.com/fzdiMIiZ20
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 30, 2024
Chase Young. That’s about it.
— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) July 30, 2024
Allen relayed some useful info on Young’s recovery timeline, too.
He said that the pass rusher was cleared on July 22nd, and that clearance accelerated his timeline. When he had the operation, some believed he may not return until the preseason. Instead, he was back nearly three weeks before that.
From Inside Training Camp: #Saints pass-rusher Chase Young is in a very good place… pic.twitter.com/eY4Zjg1qrt
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 29, 2024
Young is a vital piece to the Saints defense in 2024. Their pass rush must improve if they want to win the NFC South, and the addition of Young and a healthy Isaiah Foskey could go a long way toward making that a reality.
Only time will tell, but the decision to sign Young looks great so far for New Orleans.
