Saints' Coach Payton: Why Signing Chase Young Is A Must-Have Move To Revitalize NFC South Defense

The National Football League (NFL) is known for its high-powered offenses, but a well-rounded defense is just as crucial to a team's success. The NFC South, in particular, has been a defensive powerhouse in recent years, with teams like the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers consistently ranking among the top units in the league. However, with the rise of up-and-coming quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford, Jameis Winston, and Dak Prescott, the defense in the NFC South is in dire need of a boost.

One player who could potentially shake things up in the NFC South is Chase Young, the highly touted defensive end from Ohio State. Young's impressive collegiate career, which included 18.5 sacks in 2019, has caught the attention of NFL teams, and the New Orleans Saints are among those rumored to be interested in signing him. In this article, we'll explore why signing Chase Young is a must-have move for the Saints to revitalize their NFC South defense.

The Current State of the NFC South Defense

The NFC South has been a defensive strength for years, but the recent emergence of young, talented quarterbacks has put a strain on the league's top defensive units. The Saints, in particular, have struggled to contain opposing passers, allowing an average of 282.4 passing yards per game last season. The Falcons and Buccaneers have also had their share of issues in the secondary, and the Panthers' defense has struggled to stop the run.

Challenges Facing the Saints' Defense

Despite the challenges they face, the Saints' defense has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in the 2019 season when they recorded a franchise-record 33 sacks. However, injuries and suspension have plagued the unit, leading to a decline in production and a lack of cohesion on the field. The Saints need a fresh face on the defensive line to shake things up and bring a new level of energy to the unit.

What Chase Young Can Bring to the Saints

Chase Young is a talented young defensive end with a proven track record of success at the collegiate level. His impressive size, speed, and agility make him a nightmare to block, and his instincts and work ethic suggest he'll be a valuable addition to the Saints' defense. Here are just a few reasons why Young could be a game-changer for the Saints:

• Size: Young stands at 6'5" and weighs 260 pounds, making him an ideal fit for the Saints' 3-4 defense.
• Speed: Young has a reported 40-yard dash time of 4.83 seconds, which would make him one of the fastest defensive ends in the league.
• Agility: Young's 34.5-inch vertical jump and 8-foot-7 broad jump would allow him to dominate at the line of scrimmage.
• Instincts: Young has shown excellent instincts, using his feet and hands to confuse blockers and make plays.
• Work ethic: Young is known for his intense training regimen, which suggests he'll be a hard worker and a team player.

The Benefits of Signing Chase Young

Signing Chase Young would be a huge boost to the Saints' defense, and here are just a few reasons why:

Immediate Impact

Signing Young would immediately upgrade the Saints' defensive line, providing a new level of athleticism and pass-rushing ability. He would be able to step in and start immediately, making an instant impact on the team's defense.

Long-Term Potential

Young's long-term potential is also a major draw for the Saints. He has the physical tools and work ethic to become one of the top defensive ends in the league, and his development could be a major factor in the Saints' success over the next few years.

Salary Cap Flexibility

The Saints have a relatively flexible salary cap situation, which would allow them to sign Young without breaking the bank. The team's projected cap space for 2023 is around $35 million, which would give them the room to sign Young without sacrificing other roster players.

What the Competition Is Doing

Other teams in the NFC South, like the Falcons and Buccaneers, are also rumored to be interested in signing Young. However, the Saints have a legitimate shot at landing the talented defensive end. Here's what the competition is doing:

Falcons' Interest

The Falcons have been rumored to be in the hunt for Young, and their willingness to pay top dollar could be a challenge for the Saints. However, the Falcons' salary cap situation is precarious, and they may be hesitant to sign Young to a long-term deal.

Buccaneers' Interest

The Buccaneers have also been linked to Young, and their ability to pay top dollar could make them a serious contender for his services. However, the Buccaneers' focus on the short-term has led them to prioritize veteran players over young talent.

The Verdict

Signing Chase Young would be a major coup for the Saints, providing a much-needed boost to their defense. With his athleticism, instincts, and work ethic, Young has the potential to become one of the top defensive ends in the league. While the competition is intense, the Saints have a legitimate shot at landing the talented defensive end, and their salary cap flexibility makes them a prime candidate to make a move.

The Question of Commitment

One final consideration is the question of commitment. Will the Saints be willing to commit to Young long-term, or will they view him as a short-term solution? If the Saints can convince Young to sign a long-term deal, they'll be securing a major victory.