Injuries disrupted a promising season for the New Orleans Saints, and Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report suggests the team might trade star pass rusher. Selected second overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, He launched his career with high expectations, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year and earning a Pro Bowl spot.
However, injuries hindered his progress, leading him to join the Saints on a one-year, prove-it deal in free agency. So far, through seven games, He has posted 1.5 sacks and holds a Pro Football Focus grade of 55.7.
With free agency on the horizon, the struggling Saints have little incentive to retain him. While He may not fully realize his elite pre-draft potential, he remains a skilled player who could excel in a specialized role. The Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions stand out as likely trade destinations.
If the Saints opt to rebuild in 2025, they’ll need to prioritize cost-effective contracts and rookie deals, given a projected $97.6 million salary cap deficit. Trading Him, who’s on a one-year, $13 million deal, won’t aid their 2025 cap situation but could bring in valuable draft picks.
Saints Could Trade Chase Young – Lions, Ravens Possible Landing Spots
The Baltimore Ravens currently have two dependable edge defenders in Kyle Van Noy and former first-round selection Odafe Oweh, but there’s always an opportunity to enhance their roster. Historically, head coach John Harbaugh likes to have three edge defenders who can effectively sack the quarterback, a luxury he doesn’t have at the moment. The team has yet to find a suitable replacement for the departed Jadeveon Clowney, but trading for Chase Young could address that need.
Despite boasting a 5-2 record, Baltimore’s defense has underperformed in 2024. The unit ranks 28th in EPA/dropback allowed, which falls short for a team aiming for a Super Bowl. While Van Noy and Oweh can generate quarterback pressure, acquiring a third edge rusher would alleviate some pressure from a secondary that needs to improve in order to contend for the Lombardi Trophy.
Replacing Aidan Hutchinson
After years of struggling, Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions have emerged as serious Super Bowl contenders. With a strong offense and a defense that takes advantage of opportunities, they have a real shot at clinching a championship for the Motor City.
However, their chances took a significant hit when star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson suffered a leg injury during the game against the Dallas Cowboys. Hutchinson is considered one of the top pass rushers in the league, and replacing his impact is nearly impossible. Still, a trade for Chase Young could help mitigate this setback and keep the defense at a championship-caliber level.
Losing a player like Hutchinson is never ideal, but the Lions’ lack of depth makes this injury even more critical. James Houston and Josh Paschal are merely decent role players, and Detroit will need a stronger pass rush to compete with the NFL’s top teams. While injuries have likely reduced Chase Young’s chances of becoming a consistent Pro Bowler, he remains a reliable starter who could offer the Lions vital stability at the position.
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