(New Orleans) Defensive back Chase Young and the New Orleans Saints have agreed to terms on a one-year contract.
The deal, which was announced Monday by Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, strengthens the team in an aspect of its game that often struggled last season.
Young was a free agent, having played 16 games last season, with the Washington Commanders and the 49ers from San Francisco, who acquired him in a trade during the season.
The athlete, who turns 25 in April, had seven and a half sacks during the season and added one in the Super Bowl game, which the 49ers lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Saints defensive backs had a total of 14 sacks last season, eight and a half of which were made by Carl Granderson.
The Saints finished in 29the league rank for sacks per pass attempt.
Young was the second overall pick in 2020, by the Commanders. However, he suffered significant knee injuries during his second professional season, which also forced him to miss a large part of the 2022 season.
Young, whose contract would pay up to $13 million, joins a defensive group that includes Cam Jordan, the Saints’ all-time leader in sacks.
Jordan, who has 117.5 career sacks, recorded just two sacks last season, his lowest total since his rookie season in 2011.
Jordan, however, played injured and received praise from coaches and team executives for being available and effective despite it all.