As training camp nears for the New Orleans Saints, the team’s defense will be looking to establish a new brand of leadership. With the departure of linebacker Demario Davis looming large after the team’s standard-bearing process, eyes will gravitate toward the unit’s most impactful playmaker from 2025: edge rusher Chase Young.
Coming off of a 10-sack season, Young will be quickly identified as one of the potential leaders for the new era of the Saints’ defense.
Along with the return of defensive end Cameron Jordan and this year’s offseason reunion with linebacker Kaden Elliss, Young is well-positioned to be the next player in line to establish the tone as training camp kicks off in a matter of days.
His work ethic, disruptive play style and veteran experience are all expected to coalesce into a perfect candidate to help usher the New Orleans Saints forward.
“We expect him to shine in a leadership way, too,” said defensive coordinator Brandon Staley during offseason practices. “I think he’s really poised to be a real leader on our defense and our team.”
In the locker room, players gravitate toward the corner of seats occupied by Young and Jordan. Typically jovial conversations are hard to miss in the area as it is one of the more eventful and active parts of the locker room. It’s clear that Young already has the gravitational pull necessary to step into a role of greater stewardship.
With Jordan back in the building, he’ll continue to be one of the core standard-bearers of the group, but it’s likely that the baton will be swiftly passed over the course of the 2026 season. That process is one that will begin during camp.
The energy Young brings and the examples he sets throughout the camp process will quickly become one that other players at his position and beyond will look to as a guiding path.
He’s already begun to show some of those very qualities.
During Organized Team Activities, linebacker Isaiah Stalbird came up with an interception in 7-on-7 drills. Young, along with another defensive leader in safety Justin Reid, were the two veterans that ran out on the field to celebrate with Stalbird, who was taking third team reps at the time.
It’s these kinds of moments that will be foundational in establishing Young’s impact and influence on the defenders around him.
Starting with training camp, Young will be eyed by many as one of the potential trailblazers into the team’s new frontier ahead.
