Chase Young signs with Saints, reveals neck injury that will require surgery

Mar 19, 2024, 2:36 PM

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 11: Chase Young #92 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a sack during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

It’s official: Chase Young has left the 49ers for the Saints. But what’s more paramount is the subcontext, with the player set for offseason surgery.

Reports surfaced Tuesday afternoon that the former San Francisco 49ers defensive end will undergo a neck procedure this offseason. The injury will likely keep him off the field into training camp, with the expectation that he will return at some point in mid-August. Young signed a one-year, $13 million fully guaranteed deal with New Orleans this week, as the Saints were fully aware of the circumstances.

The deal was made official Monday, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the injury a day later.

Chase Young in 2023:

74 QB pressures (career-high)
8.5 sacks (career-high)

⚜️📈 pic.twitter.com/HfTXAwP1pL

— PFF NO Saints (@PFF_Saints) March 19, 2024

Per reports, Young sustained the injury early in the 2023 season with the Washington Commanders. Listed as a stinger suffered in the opening preseason contest, the injury pestered him for much of the year, missing Week 1 of the regular season. He played every other game last season, including three playoff games with the 49ers.

It seems the injury was brought to light during free agency this month, with other teams hesitant to offer more. In the end, Young will undergo surgery this offseason, already behind schedule for next season.

Chase Young, 24, was acquired by the 49ers for a compensatory third-round pick at the 2023 trade deadline. Hailed as a star pickup for SF, Young underdelivered during his time in The Bay, often disengaged on the field. He only recorded 10 combined tackles and 2.5 sacks in the regular season. The Ohio State alum added eight tackles and one more sack from the postseason run.

While the move was always seen as a rental, Young’s lackluster production prompted the 49ers to look elsewhere in 2024. They signed fellow edge rusher Leonard Floyd to a two-year deal Monday.

Despite the minimal production on the field, Young’s presence was felt in the locker room, particularly by DE Nick Bosa. The 49ers star pass rusher posted a goodbye to his close friend Tuesday.