Free agency in the NFL is just a week away, and the phone lines will surely get busy as teams look to wheel and deal to shore up their respective rosters.
Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Sam Darnold, Tee Higgins, Trey Smith, Charvarius Ward and Zack Baun are among those expected to generate a lot of interest.
One player who isn’t being mentioned a lot is Chase Young. The defensive end didn’t miss a game in his first campaign with the New Orleans Saints, tallying 31 combined tackles, the second-most of his career.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the 25-year-old Young could be an “intriguing option” for the Carolina Panthers as they search for more edge rush help.
In the same report, Graziano’s colleague, Jeremy Fowler, gave a more eye-opening update about Young.
“Teams I’ve talked to are putting Chase Young high on the overall pecking order in the pass-rush free agency market,” wrote Fowler.
“Part of the allure: There’s still big upside there (still only 25), and while he spent last offseason idle due to neck injury recovery, he’s completely healthy now and training vigorously for what he hopes is a breakout season.”
He, however, noted that the one-time Pro Bowler could just easily re-sign with the Saints, who acquired him on a one-year deal worth $13 million.
In December, Young touted his early performance for New Orleans.
“I feel like I’ve pass rushed the best I have my whole entire career,” said the former Defensive Rookie of the Year in a report from NOLA.com’s Matthew Paras.
You know my rookie year I had a great year, but I don’t even think I pass rushed anywhere I am right now, even though the sack number is not there.”
