New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young (neck), who had offseason neck surgery, received a positive report from renowned specialist Dr. Robert Watkins during a checkup this week, according to a source. Young will have more tests on his neck in around six weeks, but he plans to take part in training camp this summer. The former second overall pick by the Washington Commanders in 2020 out of Ohio State won Defensive Rookie of the Year in his first season in the league, but then injuries struck. He was able to play in 16 games with Washington and the San Francisco 49ers last year, though, and finished with 7.5 sacks, the same amount he had in 2020. If the 25-year-old can just say on the field, the Saints could have a real steal on their hands on their D-line. Because of the injury risk, Young can be left to the waiver wire in IDP leagues to start the year.

From RotoBaller

The New Orleans Saints are expected to sign former San Francisco 49ers pass-rusher Chase Young to an undisclosed deal, according to a source. The 2020 No. 2 overall pick out of Ohio State will get a fresh start in New Orleans in 2024. Young was named the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020 with the Washington Commanders when he had a career-high 44 tackles (32 solo), 7.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 12 QB hits, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdowns) in 15 starts, but he played in just 12 games in the next two seasons, which is why the Commanders moved on. The 24-year-old combined for another 7.5 sacks last year with Washington and San Fran, though, and another bounce-back year could be in store for him in the Big Easy if he's able to stay healthy.

From RotoBaller

Free-agent pass-rusher Chase Young is expected to visit with the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints this week, according to a source. The 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year is still only 24 years old and is receiving interest from a handful of teams. Young, the second overall pick by the Washington Commanders in 2020 out of Ohio State, made the Pro Bowl in his first NFL season and recorded 7.5 sacks in 15 games. However, injuries limited him to a combined 12 games in 2021 and 2022 before he bounced back with 7.5 sacks in 16 games (six starts) with the Commanders and San Francisco 49ers last year. San Fran has already added two defensive linemen in free agency, so it's unlikely that Young will be returning to the Bay Area in 2024. Another year removed from injury, Young could be a sleeper defensive lineman in IDP fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

The Athletic's Matt Barrows identifies defensive end as the San Francisco 49ers' biggest offseason need in 2024, although offensive tackle is another big need given left tackle Trent Williams' age (35) and the fact that right tackle Colton McKivitz gave up a team-high nine sacks in 2023. But right now the Niners have just one edge rusher in Nick Bosa, which isn't good, considering their defense is based on getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Their other defensive ends -- Chase Young, Clelin Ferrell and Randy Gregory -- aren't signed for this season. Their other defensive ends -- Drake Jackson and Robert Beal Jr. -- are unproven, so San Francisco would be wise to give Bosa some more help through either free agency or the upcoming NFL draft.

From RotoBaller

Even though edge rusher Chase Young was a bit of a disappointment after the San Francisco 49ers acquired him in a deadline deal with the Washington Commanders last year, the 49ers have at least some interest in re-signing him. Young is still just 24 years old and has a great relationship with star edge rusher Nick Bosa (the two were college teammates at Ohio State). The former second overall pick by Washington in 2020 might have to settle for a one-year, prove-it deal with San Francisco or another team, but there are still enough clubs intrigued by his potential. After being dealt by Washington in 2023, Young had 10 tackles (five solo), 2.5 sacks and six QB hits in nine regular-season games for the Niners. In total last year, his 7.5 sacks matched his total from his rookie campaign in 2020, when he was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year.

From RotoBaller

The San Francisco 49ers D/ST unit comes into the NFC Championship Game versus the Detroit Lions with home-field advantage and facing a quarterback in Jared Goff who famously struggles outdoors, but expectations should be managed. The Niners have a talented defense capable of generating turnovers (tied for fifth-most in the regular season) and pressures but they have struggled to reach projected sack totals after extending DE Nick Bosa to a record-setting contract and trading for former first-rounder DE Chase Young. They'll be looking for their first sack of the postseason against Detroit's explosive offense. The Lions finished the regular season as the second-ranked passing offense and the fifth-ranked rushing attack. San Francisco did a good job stuffing the run by seasonlong metrics (third-fewest yards allowed) but looked shaky last week when they allowed Green Bay's Aaron Jones to amass 108 yards on the ground. Fantasy managers might not be wrong to go fishing for turnovers in this one while hoping that San Francisco's pass rush can finally start to get home, but the Niners are unlikely to hold Detroit's offense down to a fantasy-helpful point total. Of course, none of the four remaining offenses are pushovers, so the Niners D/ST ranks second just behind Baltimore this week.

From RotoBaller