Chase Young’s Free Agency Fits: Landing Spots Include Jets, Ravens, Saints, and More

Things haven’t gone as smoothly as Chase Young would have hoped to start his NFL career.

Initially the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Young was selected by the then-Washington Football Team to be the defensive face of the organization. After three and a half seasons of just 14 sacks, an ACL injury, and questions surrounding his effort, the former Ohio State phenom was traded to the San Francisco 49ers as part of a deadline move.

Now, after a Super Bowl appearance and a two-sack finish with San Fran, Young has hit the open market.

Chase Young’s Free Agent Options

The difficult part in determining Young’s value in free agency is that, like his time in Washington, several people within the 49ers organization questioned the edge rusher’s work ethic and professionalism.

It’s why after the first week of free agency the options for the former top overall pick and Defensive Rookie of the Year are dwindling. Other edge rushers like Bryce Huff, Jonathan Greenard, Leonard Floyd, and even Josh Uche have all found new or returning homes.

That doesn’t mean Young’s market is bust, though. Several organizations are expected to be in on the 24-year-old, hoping to get the kind of talent out of him that made him a top pick.

Let’s go through those options now.

New York Jets

With Huff leaving for Philadelphia in free agency, the New York Jets will be looking to replace his production level. The organization is already fielding interest from a top overall pick in Jadeveon Clowney, so why not attempt to talk to Young?

Young’s pass-rushing prowess may not be what many expected. However, the idea is that a defensive coaching staff that has led the league in most statistical categories over the last few years, like the Jets’, should be able to get the best out of a player like Young.

Other teams may be better fits for him, but Young would be a tantalizing idea for Gang Green in 2024.

Baltimore Ravens

Few teams make more sense for Young’s services than the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore is losing Clowney to free agency (or is expected to), and it needs to address the pass-rushing position in droves.

The Ravens do not have a ton of cap space, but they still could agree with a player like Young who is low-risk and high-reward for both sides. With new defensive coordinator Zach Orr leading the charge, Baltimore’s triple-crown defense from last season may not be the same in 2024, but Young could provide some youthful enthusiasm to the group.

New Orleans Saints

Young is set to visit the New Orleans Saints this week so of course they have to be on this list, right? New Orleans has plenty of solid playmakers on both sides of the ball as they keep punting their future cap problems for as long as humanly possible.

Why not push it off some more by bringing in an edge rusher like Young to come in and start for a group that needs some youth along the position?

Providing Cam Jordan with a quality edge rusher on the other side of the line may prolong his career and effectiveness. In short, the Saints may not be considered favorites for the NFC South crown, but they could help themselves in a big way with another strong pass rusher.

Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans, like the Saints, have a scheduled visit lined up with Young over the coming weeks. Dennard Wilson is now the defensive play-caller in Tennessee and needs some semblance of a quality pass rush on his team.

While the Titans can certainly be seen as a rebuilding organization, the addition of Young would be a low-cost, high-reward contract that these kinds of organizations should be making.

Dallas Cowboys

Dallas’ pass rush has been very “Micah Parsons or Bust” over the last few seasons, so getting a quality edge rusher should be at the top of the Cowboys’ free agent wish list, should they ever look to sign someone.

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Young being back in the NFC East would be excellent for his career as the New York Giants and Washington Commanders both have question marks at their tackle position.

With Mike Zimmer now at the helm of the Cowboys’ defense, he should have little problem getting as much out of Young as possible. It’s why the 24-year-old would make a lot of sense for a Dallas defense that desperately needs an edge in 2024.

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