This offseason, the Detroit Lions must add help on the defensive line opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Za'Darius Smith was acquired in the middle of the season and played well for them. He is owed $4 million next season. As a result, the soon-to-be 33-year-old could be cut and brought back for cheaper.
Even if that's the route Detroit decides to take, they will need to find another young pass rusher to pair with Hutchinson in the future. Although many fans are set on finding that player through the draft, opportunities exist in free agency as well.
In a recent article, ESPN's Matt Bowen proposed that the Lions should sign Chase Young. Adding the 25-year-old is certainly an interesting proposition for Detroit, but would it be a smart move?
The best team fits for our Top 50 NFL free agents.
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) February 18, 2025
Tee Higgins — WASH
Trey Smith — CHI
Khalil Mack — GB
JK Dobbins — CLE
Nick Bolton — DEN
It’s up at ESPN+ https://t.co/WjLCc42Akj
Should Detoirt Target Chase Young this Offseason?
Young broke onto the scene in a big way with the Washington Commanders in 2020. As a rookie, he recorded 44 tackles, 10 TFLs, 12 QB hits, 7.5 sacks, four pass deflections, four forced fumbles and three fumble receivers. Young's production as a rookie made everyone believe he was the next breakout defensive lineman.
Unfortunately, Young's second season was cut short due to an ACL tear. In 2021, he played nine games, recording 26 tackles, three TFLs, four QB hits, 1.5 sacks, two pass deflections, and two forced fumbles.
Young's injury kept him out most of the 2022 season as well, only appearing in three games; recording five tackles, one QB hit, and one pass deflection. That said, everyone expected Young to have a bounce-back 2023 season, but he didn't.
In 2023, Young recorded 25 tackles, seven TFLs, 15 QB hits, 7.5 sacks and two pass deflections. While he tied his sack production from his rookie season, he was way less of a dominating force in 2023. Furthermore, Young was traded midseason to the San Francisco 49ers, where he was part of a rotation.
This past season, Young was part of a rotation again with the Saints in New Orleans. The 25-year-old recorded 31 tackles, eight TFLs, 5.5 sacks, 21 QB hits, three pass deflections, and one forced fumble in 2024. Even though that is far from the dominance people expected after his rookie season, that's still some solid production.
Currently, Spotrac projects Young will sign a four-year deal worth $70.17 million this offseason. That's an average annual salary of $17.5 million for an edge rusher coming off a good, not great, season. Therefore, if that's the contract Young is looking for it could be too risky for Detroit.
However, if he is willing to sign a 2-3-year deal worth a little less money with the Lions, Detroit should definitely pounce on the opportunity. Worst case, Young has another season like he did in 2024, which wasn't a terrible season.