Report: Chase Young's New Contract Has Major 'Asterisk'

20/03/2024 22:19

Former No. 2 overall pick Chase Young signed with the New Orleans Saints in free agency, but Young's new deal has a major condition tied to per-game roster bonuses.

Young signed a one-year, $13 million deal with the Saints, but nearly $8 million of that money is based on $470,000 per-game roster bonuses, according to CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones.

The roster bonuses are guaranteed, but Young must remain on the roster in order to receive them. 

If he were to be cut, he'd lose out on any bonuses he was slated to receive in the weeks following his release.

Perhaps more importantly considering his injury history, Young must be on the team's active, game-day roster in order to receive those bonuses.

After winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in his first season, Young played in a total of 12 games over the next two years. 

He was healthier in 2023, playing seven games for the Commanders before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers. Young appeared in nine games for the 49ers in the regular season and three in the playoffs, including the Super Bowl.

Young is now on his third NFL team as he attempts to live up to the expectations placed on him before he was drafted. He will also undergo neck surgery ahead of the 2024 season. 

A torn ACL derailed his career, but he has a chance to get back on the right path with a productive and healthy season in 2024 for the Saints.

Young is only on a one-year deal, giving the Saints the opportunity to evaluate him for. one year without committing to a player who may not fit into their long-term plans. 

If Young is able to return to his 2020 form, the deal will be a bargain for the Saints.