Chase Young could provide a low-risk, high-reward solution for the Patriots in NFL Free Agency.
We think the New England Patriots should spend most of their offseason resources on the offensive line. However, if Jerod Mayo and company are interested in a low-risk, high-reward defensive deal, Chase Young could be the right fit.Young, the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, is set to enter free agency in March after his fifth-year option was declined by the Washington Commanders. Spotrac projects Young’s market value this season at $13 million.
Currently, 23 pilots earn more money. Why would a 24-year-old with star potential be sold so cheap? There’s reason to believe Young will accept a one-year deal, have another healthy season and return as a free agent in 2025. Finally, Young suffered injuries during his rookie contract period.
Young, who won Defensive Rookie of the Year honors after a 7.5 sack season, appeared in just 12 games in 2021 and 2022. He returns in 2023 and has recorded five sacks and six tackles for loss through his first seven games. This prompted the San Francisco 49ers to trade a third-round pick to the Washington Commanders before the NFL trade deadline. Young is currently preparing for Sunday’s Super Bowl LVIII game at Allegiant Stadium.If the 6-foot-1, 264-pound defensive lineman is happy with the deal, the Patriots should be interested.
They checked it out before the trade deadline. New England certainly won’t be alone this season. Most teams will be willing to take the chance if they don’t have to deal with financial issues in the future.ESPN ranked Young 15th among the top 50 free agents this season. Pro Football Focus ranked him 28th in the top 150.Young finished the 2023 season with career highs in tackles (25), quarterback hits (15) and sacks (7.5).
He has the physical ability to score double figures and be one of the league’s best rushers. This season, Young has been criticized at times for his lack of effort, athleticism and consistent running. Let’s see if Young gets the message from 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan as he leaves to play the Kansas City Chiefs.
However, Young would be an upgrade for the Patriots aside from Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings, respectively, entering free agency. Pairing Young with Matthew Judon would give New England a dynamite 1-2 punch. If Young knocks off Mayo and the Patriots, Judon will return to free agency when his contract expires. Judon signed a four-year, $54 million contract through 2021 in New England.
We are confident that Mayo’s player management and defensive acumen will help Young reach his full potential. Defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington also distinguished himself as the Patriots’ defensive line coach before being promoted.That said, there are clear caveats. The Patriots shouldn’t spend big on Young this offseason. There are too many holes on the offensive side of the ball, including running backs, wide receivers and offensive linemen. However, if Young is available on the cheap this offseason due to his recent injury history, the Patriots could be spending their money in worse places than Young.
