The New Orleans Saints already have an early theme for the 2024 season: prove it. This upcoming season will be all about proving things for the franchise. Head coach Dennis Allen will be trying to prove he’s the right head coach for the franchise, Derek Carr will be out to prove he’s a Super-Bowl-caliber quarterback, and the offensive line will have to prove the group is good.

That’s only a few of the prove-it situations in New Orleans heading into the 2024 season. Another one is on the other side of the ball with veteran defensive end Chase Young. Young was biggest free agency signing for the Saints this offseason, and he signed a one-year, prove-it deal worth $13 million.

Back in 2020, Young was the second-overall pick that made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. Once expected to be the future of pass rushing in the NFL, he entered free agency this offseason with his stock extremely low. That’s why Young was named by Alex Kay in a recent Bleacher Report piece as one of five prominent players headed into a make-or-break 2024 season.

2024 is a make-or-break season for Chase Young

Kay detailed Young’s rocky journey in the NFL, explaining how injuries led to to him going from a Defensive Rookie of the Year to a defensive end that played on two teams in four seasons, and had a quiet free agency market.

“Young’s trajectory was significantly altered when he suffered a devastating knee injury midway through his sophomore season. He went on to miss 22 games, looking like a shade of his former self upon his return near the tail end of the 2022 campaign. While Young did start to flash his elite potential again early in 2023—racking up five sacks in the first six games—a midseason trade to the San Francisco 49ers did more harm than good.”

– Alex Kay (Bleacher Report)

While this turn was drastic for Young’s career, Kay pointed out how his career can take another drastic turn back in the right direction. Young is just 25 years old, and health has been his biggest obstacle. He played last season with a neck injury that resulted in him having surgery after signing with the Saints.

If Chase Young can stay healthy in 2024, he’ll have the chance to prove that he’s still the defensive end that had everyone excited back in 2020.