Chase Young has been one of the biggest stories of New Orleans Saints training camp.
Young is back faster than expected from offseason neck surgery and has more than looked the part of a hyped former first-round pick who can have a big impact on the defense.
And as ESPN’s Katherine Terrell pointed out, the fact Chase has participated in more than 84 percent of the offseason workout program with the Saints means he triggered a $450,000 workout bonus clause in his contract.
It’s a nice boon for Young, who spent nine games with the San Francisco 49ers last year, recording just 2.5 sacks over that span after the Washington Commanders traded him away. The second-overall pick in 2020 earned a mere one-year contract with the Saints, then had neck surgery that initially landed him on the physical unable to perform list (PUP).
Young’s deal with the Saints was advertised as a $13 million pact, but nearly $8 million came in the form of roster bonuses related to his availability and these types of workout bonuses. Meaning, both the team and the player have plenty of reasons to get him on the field.
There, the Saints hope he can join a rotation with Cam Jordan and Carl Granderson, among others, to apply consistent pressure on opposing offenses and revive a defense that had just 34 sacks over 17 games last season.