Saints Under Fire for Questionable Chase Young Contract — Is This the Offseason’s Biggest Mistake?
The New Orleans Saints set out to be aggressive this offseason — and they were. General Manager Mickey Loomis made good on his word to clear cap space and make bold moves in free agency. But one of those moves is now drawing intense criticism from analysts and fans alike, raising questions about whether the team may have already made the biggest mistake of the 2025 offseason.
The decision in question? Re-signing defensive end Chase Young to a three-year deal worth $33 million in guaranteed money. Initially seen by some as a calculated risk, the move has since been labeled one of the worst signings of the offseason by Bleacher Report analyst Gary Davenport — and many fans aren’t pushing back on that sentiment.
A Contract Based on Potential, Not Performance
Davenport didn’t mince words in his recent column, ranking Young’s re-signing as the third-worst free agency move of the year.
“The Saints are paying Young like he’s already rebounded,” Davenport wrote. “Like he’s a 10-sack edge rusher capable of wreaking havoc on a weekly basis. And while Young is still just 25, overpaying a player based on potential we haven’t really seen in years makes no sense for a Saints team with holes galore and too many bloated contracts already on the roster.”
The criticism centers on the risk New Orleans took by investing in a player who has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency and injuries throughout his young NFL career. After being traded from the Washington Commanders in 2023, Young joined the Saints with high expectations. But in 2024, he delivered a modest stat line: 5.5 sacks, 21 tackles, and 8 tackles for loss over 17 games.
While those numbers aren’t terrible, they don’t quite match the paycheck or promise of a “franchise” pass rusher. Young did, however, log 34 quarterback pressures, which has become a point of debate among fans and analysts. Supporters argue that his ability to disrupt the pocket — even if it doesn’t always translate to sacks — still holds value. Critics, meanwhile, say those pressures must start turning into production if the Saints hope to get a return on their investment.
Fans Divided, But Many Agree
It’s rare for Saints fans to find common ground with national analysts when it comes to front office decisions, but this time, there’s a noticeable overlap.
“We need impact players, not just pressure stats,” one fan commented on social media. “Chase is talented, no doubt, but $33 million guaranteed? That’s a huge bet on a guy who hasn’t proven he can stay dominant.”
Another wrote: “I want to believe in Chase Young, but this feels like another overpay that’s going to haunt us when we’re strapped for cap room again.”
Others remain hopeful, pointing out that Young just turned 26 and is still entering his prime. If he can stay healthy and build on the flashes he showed last season, the contract could eventually look like a bargain.
Cap Concerns and Team Needs
What makes this signing especially controversial is the broader context of the Saints’ roster and salary cap situation. New Orleans still has glaring needs on both sides of the ball, including offensive line depth, secondary help, and a long-term answer at quarterback. With the team already managing several hefty contracts — including those of Alvin Kamara, Marshon Lattimore, and Derek Carr — tying up more guaranteed money in a high-risk player raises questions about long-term roster flexibility.
The Saints did make other positive moves this offseason, including re-signing key depth players and bringing in veteran leadership at linebacker and corner. But the Young deal has overshadowed much of that, casting a shadow over what could have otherwise been seen as a solid free agency period.
Can Young Prove Them Wrong?
Of course, the story isn’t finished yet. Chase Young has every opportunity to silence critics and prove the Saints right. A strong 2025 season with double-digit sacks and consistent disruption could turn the narrative around and transform this deal into a masterstroke instead of a misfire.
But for now, the pressure is on — both figuratively and literally.
The Saints are betting big that their once-ballyhooed acquisition can stay healthy, stay productive, and grow into the elite edge rusher he was projected to be when he entered the league. If he does, this contract might look like a steal. If not, it could be remembered as the offseason move that set the Saints back yet again.
One thing’s for sure: all eyes will be on Chase Young this fall.
