Earlier this week, the New Orleans Saints made some noise by signing defensive end Chase Young to a one-year, $13 million contract. It was reported one day later that he would need neck surgery.
Young’s neck surgery is expected to sideline him into training camp.
According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, “no one” would clear Young on his physical because of his neck injury. As you’d expect, it played a role in his lack of suitors during free agency.
“Scans on his neck made it tough to find a suitor,” Breer wrote on X. “No one would clear him on his physical. The condition was initially found after he had a stinger last year vs. the Browns in preseason. He’ll have neck surgery tomorrow.
“The neck condition was a factor, too, in his trade market back in October. The Bears weren’t comfortable with the scans. The Niners were.”
Despite this concern, the Saints decided to take a chance on Young’s talent.
The good news for the Saints is that Young’s deal is not fully guaranteed like the initial reports indicated. In fact, his base salary is $2.7 million and his signing bonus is $1.86 million.
Young’s contract includes $7.99 million in per-game roster bonuses. That gives the Saints some protection in the event that he misses several games.
In 16 games this past season, Young racked up 25 tackles, 15 QB hits, 7.5 sacks and two passes defended. The Saints would welcome similar production this fall.