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Saints' $51 Million Signing Listed 'Worst Contract' Of Offseason

The Saints committed over $50 million to edge rusher Chase Young in the offseason.
Zach Pressnell|
Dec 15, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young (99) reacts to a score against the Washington Commanders during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Dec 15, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young (99) reacts to a score against the Washington Commanders during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

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New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints had a disaster of an offseason led by the retirement of franchise quarterback Derek Carr.

The Saints also opted to give Chase Young a three-year, $51 million deal that would pay him $17 million a year. This contract was met with mixed reviews considering how spotty Young has been in his NFL career.

NFL Spinzone's Lou Scataglia recently suggested that Young's $51 million deal was the worst contract on New Orleans' payroll.

"Chase Young started zero games for the New Orleans Saints in 2024 and racked up 5.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, and 21 QB hits, so he did produce at a decent level, but $17 million per year for the player, who is often seen as someone who isn't always giving 100% effort, was one of the many mistakes Saints GM Mickey Loomis made this offseason," Scataglia wrote. "Young is still only 26 years old, so there could be some upside left, but Chase Young was the type of player to perhaps offer a one-year deal this offseason instead of something longer. This isn't a great contract for the New Orleans Saints."

At the end of the day, Young is still just 26 years old. He has plenty more in the tank. If the young star can get past the injuries and perform like the player he was in college, the Saints might have a steal at $17 million a year.

But it's hard to justify this kind of contract when the production hasn't been there.

Either way, given the fact that Young hasn't played a snap under this new deal, it's hard to judge it yet. This contract will be determined by how well he can produce over the next three years.

More NFL: NFL Writer Suggests Saints Rookie Under Most Pressure In 2025

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Zach Pressnell
ZACH PRESSNELL

Zach Pressnell has experience covering all major US sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. He’s produced content for FanSided, Blog Red Machine, The Game Haus, Bethany College Athletics and the Bethany College online newspaper, He graduated from Bethany College (WV) with a degree in Communications and Media Arts, specializing in Sports Journalism. Pressnell was also a four-year member of the baseball team where he earned himself All-PAC recognition as a pitcher (and a cool Tommy John surgery scar). Now, Pressnell specializes in NFL and MLB coverage for Sports Illustrated’s “On SI” network among others. For all business/marketing inquiries, reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org

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