On Tuesday, the New Orleans Saints signed star defensive finish Chase Younger to a one-year, $13M contract.
That is the excellent news.
The unhealthy information is that shortly afterward it was reported that the 24-year-old will endure a neck process that can sideline him into the summer time.
Schefter famous that the Saints knew concerning the difficulty beforehand and had been nonetheless “snug” continuing with the contract. Younger is anticipated to be again in time for Week 1; some followers might imagine the scenario is not something to fret about.
If Younger’s harm historical past is any indication, nevertheless, there’s a doubtlessly main trigger for concern.
The previous No. 2 total decide missed only one sport with an harm throughout his 2020 rookie season, a yr that noticed him end with what are nonetheless profession bests in tackles for loss (10), compelled fumbles (4), passes defended (4) and fumble recoveries (three) amongst different classes. Younger earned his lone Professional Bowl honor and was named the Defensive Participant of the Yr.
After posting 4 quarterback hits, three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks by means of 9 video games in 2021, the Ohio State product suffered a season-ending knee harm in Week 10 in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The harm lingered. He was positioned on the bodily unable to carry out (PUP) record on the start of training camp in 2022, and he wasn’t activated off injured reserve till November. Younger did not return to the sector till Week 16 in late December, although, and suited up for simply three video games, recording three solo tackles and no sacks on 115 defensive snaps.
He suffered a “stinger” in final summer time’s preseason opener, however after lacking Week 1, he performed within the subsequent 16 common season contests.
Younger was traded to the 49ers on Nov. 1 final season and performed in all 9 common season video games with San Francisco, plus their three playoff tilts.
