The New Orleans Saints are modifying the contract of defensive end Chase Young to create additional salary cap space, according to reports by Nick Underhill. This move aims to optimize the team’s financial flexibility as they plan further contract restructurings.
Details of the Contract Modification and Cap Savings
Based on data from Over The Cap, converting Young’s $14,830,000 base salary into a signing bonus will reduce his projected cap charge from $20,502,000 to a significantly lower figure, allowing the Saints to free up nearly $10.9 million in 2026. This maneuver is part of a broader strategy to manage the team’s payroll efficiently.
Background on Chase Young’s Career and Contract History
Chase Young, 26, was a standout player at Ohio State, earning first-team All-American honors before being selected second overall by Washington in the 2020 NFL Draft. Young made an immediate impact, securing the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year title that same season.
Initially, Young signed a four-year contract worth $34.56 million, including a $22.7 million signing bonus. Washington declined the fifth-year option on his deal for 2024, then traded him to the San Francisco 49ers during the 2023 deadline in exchange for a compensatory third-round pick. After completing that contract, he joined the Saints in 2024 on a one-year deal with a maximum value of $13 million.
The Saints later extended Young for three years with a contract valued at $51 million. In the 2025 season, Young appeared in 12 games, compiling 38 tackles, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, one defensive touchdown, and four pass deflections.
Impact and Future Outlook for the Saints
This contract restructuring gives the Saints greater room under the salary cap as they look to enhance their roster. With Young’s proven defensive capabilities and the team’s ongoing financial adjustments, New Orleans is positioned to make strategic roster moves going forward.
Saints have started to get cap compliant by restructuring Chase Young's salary, per source. Bunch more of these coming
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) March 5, 2026
