The Saints’ acquisition of pass rusher Chase Young adds freshness to defensive coordinator Joe Woods’ unit in 2024.
He joins a New Orleans squad that elected to run it back this offseason with core players such as pass rusher Cameron Jordan, linebacker Demario Davis, and safety Tyrann Mathieu, who both agreed to new contracts in March.
Jordan, who turns 35 in July, believes Young’s signing will give another dimension to the Saints.
“I think Chase Young is going to be great for our defence,” Jordan told NFL Total Access Friday night. “We already have Carl Granderson, who has performed admirably in recent years. I believe that as he grows, he will be on the opposite side once he achieves good physical health. He will be another piece that we can add.
“At some point in my mind, I’m thinking that it’s going to be me, Chase, and Carl Granderson on the field at the same time on a critical third down, and I’ll probably have to play in the middle. I do not care. Whatever it takes. I’ll line up as Za’Darius Smith in the centre, roaming and attempting to get aggressive. “I believe it adds another weapon to our defence.”
Jordan, the No. 24 overall pick in the 2011 draft, has caused problems for offensive coordinators since his arrival in the league. Jordan has 225 quarterback hits, 153 tackles for loss, 117.5 sacks, and 15 forced fumbles in 209 games over the course of 13 seasons in Louisiana. However, the eight-time Pro Bowler recorded only two sacks in 2023, his lowest total since his rookie season (1.0).
Young’s had a busy eight months. He began the 2023 season with the Washington Commanders. On Halloween, Washington traded Young to the San Francisco 49ers for a third-round draft pick. Young signed a one-year contract with the Saints during free agency, and the next day he had neck surgery. The 2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year is projected to be ready for the season opener in September.
However, the Saints are not the only team in the division that has made important offseason additions. The Atlanta Falcons acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins to a hefty contract after a ruptured Achilles, but they still drafted Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall to learn from him.
When questioned about Cousins’ move to the NFC South, Jordan described his experience with the former Viking and offered the Falcons some light teasing about their “situation” at quarterback.
“I think I sacked him when he was with his two previous teams,” Jordan stated. “I’m sure I fired him while he was with Washington. I am certain I fired him while he was with the Vikings. I mean, a new quarterback, possibly the newest quarterback, somewhere in the season, they bring in Michael Penix Jr. I’m not sure about their situation, but you spend a top-10 overall pick on a quarterback. I’m not sure what you do there. You know, I’m just adding gasoline to the fire. “Why not?”
According to head coach Raheem Morris, Cousins is “pretty much full-go” for offseason exercises and appears on track to be ready for the clubs’ first showdown in Week 4 — a clash. Jordan realizes he has injected some more heat with his latest statements.
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