After a stellar 2025 season, New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young has gathered overwhelming momentum headed into his upcoming season.
Following up his first career 10-sack season, Young is embracing a leadership and tone-setting role while continuing into a second season with defensive coordinator Brandon Staley and EDGEs coach Jay Rodgers.
The continuity between system, coaching and player talent could be enough to potentially propel Young into his next level as an NFL defender. His continued ascension will make him one of the most vital players on the Saints’ roster in 2026, and certainly makes him integral to the team’s defensive success.
In fact, his importance to the defense was already on full display last year.
Not only did last season showcase Young’s disruptive ability and potential in the system, but it also proved that his presence and threat make him the most important defender on the football field for New Orleans.
Over the first five games, while Young managed a lingering calf injury, the Saints’ defense was still finding its footing. Then, immediately as Young made his return to the lineup, the team’s defense began to surge.
With Young on the field, the Saints’ sack percentage leapt from 6.7% up to 11.5% while the defense’s third down conversion rate allowed dropped from 42.7% without him on the field to 29.7% with him in the lineup.
Additionally, from a pure pass rushing standard, New Orleans generated a pressure percentage of 38.9% with Young present, up from 29.9% with him sidelined, per Pro Football Focus.The team also improved in EPA allowed per rush while he was on the field.
Altogether, the Saints were a better defense with Young than they were without, and it shows across multiple phases of the defense.
Much like quarterback Tyler Shough’s playmaking and presence has become so beneficial on offense that he is early to consider one of the most important players on the team, the same can be said about Young. Thanks to the impact of his play, the attitude and confidence he provides and the sheer threat he presents to opposing defenses, he too is easily one of the most important players on the Saints’ roster going into 2026.
If nothing else, and without much evidence to the contrary, he is absolutely the lynchpin to the Saints’ defense.
