The New Orleans Saints’ edge rusher room is looking to retain its momentum from the 2025 season and one player can quickly set the tone for the rest of the position group.
Defensive end Chase Young is going to be viewed as the leader for the Saints’ defense, both in regards to production and in the locker room.
The Saints’ defensive scheme led him to his first career double-digit sack season last year. In 2026, he’ll have a shot to boost that production with an improving and settled defense around him.
Chase Young will lead the team in sacks in 2026.
The prediction is far from bold, as he was one half-sack shy of tying for the lead last year. But the reality is in the sensibility.
Young is now in a system that supports his skill set as a pass rusher and awards his aggressive pursuit style. Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s system is built to allow players a chance to break away from convention, within reason, if the exchange is for them to go and make a play.
Not many Saints defenders have more examples of exactly that than Young last year.
As the baton is passed from longtime star edge rusher Cameron Jordan to Young over Jordan’s final year, it’s easy to project the former No. 2 overall selection to finish what he started last year: establishing himself as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers.
