Chase Young has had an up-and-down NFL career following his breakout 2020 rookie season. But as teams continue to seek defensive help, the pass rusher and recent NFC champion with the San Francisco 49ers remains a strong possibility for teams.
Who represents the best fit for Young?
Chase Young Free Agency Landing Spots
Before we begin, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on Tuesday reported that Young has two visits in the works with the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers. He adds that the Tennessee Titans will hold a visit with him as well.
Here’s how all three present a potential fit for Young as well as presenting the other strongest suitors.
New Orleans Saints Need To Get Younger at EDGE
Cam Jordan is still playing at a high level, but he’s turning 35 in July. Meanwhile, Carl Granderson turns 28 in December.
The 24-year-old Young presents a major opportunity to get younger on the edge — and adds a needed pass-rushing boost outside of both defenders.
Another reason why Young can potentially improve this unit is that Saints defensive ends only produced 14 sacks last season. In a division with newly re-signed quarterback Baker Mayfield and Kirk Cousins with the Atlanta Falcons, a strong pass rush is needed. Young can help provide that jolt.
Carolina Panthers Must Make Up for Brian Burns Trade
Carolina presents a chance for Young to put his name in the mix as the Panthers’ next No. 1 pass-rushing option if signed.
Brian Burns is already gone, having been traded to the New York Giants. This officially means open competition for whoever wants to lead the Panthers in sacks in 2024.
The Panthers are dealing with tight finances at the moment, with their 2024 cap at more than $25 million. But Carolina may hand out a workable, prove-it deal for one year toward Young that won’t break the bank.
Tennessee Titans Seeking Denico Autry Replacement
Like Carolina, the Titans are losing their best pass rusher. Except Denico Autry is agreeing to a two-year deal with a division rival in the Houston Texans.
Harold Landry remains in Nashville, but he’s going to need an extra presence to take pressure off his pursuits to the quarterback. Judging by Young’s Super Bowl 58 performance, he’s still capable of wrecking pass protections.
Tennessee has brought in former 49ers before. Azeez Al-Shaair and Arden Key are past Niners who eventually joined the Titans. Perhaps Young can become the third.
Young Could Be Danielle Hunter Replacement
Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter isn’t expected to return to Minnesota, which leaves a huge void in the defensive trenches. Outside of Hunter, no one surpassed eight sacks for the Vikings.
Minnesota looks like a strong suitor for Young. Maybe San Francisco can give him a recommendation for Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who is a former Niners executive.
Los Angeles Rams Can Add Additional Help for Aaron Donald
Luckily for Aaron Donald and the Rams, they don’t need to necessarily scream for extra help now that they made 2023 draft discoveries in Kobie Turner and Byron Young, who combined for 17 sacks.
But that doesn’t mean L.A. should ignore getting additional help for Donald.
With Chase Young, he can form a strong tandem with Byron while Donald and Turner thrash the trenches. Young may also love the aspect of Donald commanding 1-3 blockers, and the presence of the 2023 rookies can present more 1-on-1 opportunities.
Young could fly around and have fun with this defense, even on a prove-it deal.
Buffalo Bills Present New Opportunity
With Leonard Floyd off to San Francisco, this opens a new hole for Buffalo’s pass rush.
Fortunately for the Bills, Von Miller has restructured his deal. That helps clear room for the AFC East champs to make a run at getting him some needed help.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Free Agents by Position
Young is among the best help still out there in free agency for the Bills. The chance to team with a perennial Pro Bowler like Miller sounds equally enticing.
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