New Orleans Saints
Breaking: Saints Lose Second-Overall Pick Chase Young to Division Rival Dallas Cowboys…

Breaking: Saints Lose Second-Overall Pick Chase Young to Division Rival Dallas Cowboys…
Saints Lose Second-Overall Pick Chase Young to Division Rival Dallas Cowboys
New Orleans, LA – In a stunning turn of events that has left fans and analysts across the NFL buzzing, the New Orleans Saints have officially lost their second-overall pick, defensive standout Chase Young, to their bitter division rival, the Dallas Cowboys. This trade, which came as a shock to many, is poised to shake up the NFC South and dramatically alter the balance of power in the division heading into the 2025 season.
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws near, the Saints were hoping to make a big splash with their high draft selection, but this unforeseen trade has sent shockwaves through the league. The Cowboys, long known for their aggressive approach to player acquisition, have made their move, and in doing so, they have potentially added one of the most dynamic pass rushers in the game to their already formidable defensive line.
Let’s dive into the details of the trade, the impact it will have on both teams, and what it means for the NFC South moving forward.
The Trade: Saints Ship Chase Young to Cowboys
On January 23, 2025, the New Orleans Saints officially announced that they had traded their second-overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a significant haul of draft picks and a promising young player. The deal broke down as follows:
New Orleans Saints received: Dallas’ 2025 first-round pick (10th overall), a 2026 second-round pick, and **Cowboys’ linebacker Leighton Vander Esch.
The deal has left many within the Saints’ organization and fanbase questioning the logic behind moving off such a highly coveted draft asset, especially when the team is in desperate need of defensive talent. After a disappointing 2024 campaign that saw the Saints miss the playoffs once again, the team was eager to use their high draft pick to find a game-changing player who could immediately contribute. However, the decision to trade away that opportunity in favor of future picks and an established linebacker speaks to the Saints’ long-term plans, which are still in flux after their fourth consecutive playoff-less season.
For Dallas, the move was clear: bolster an already potent defense with a talent like Young, who has the potential to be a cornerstone pass rusher for the team for years to come. With their own defensive line featuring the likes of Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence, the addition of Young gives the Cowboys one of the most fearsome front sevens in the NFL. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has consistently put together dominant defenses in Dallas, and now with the acquisition of Young, the Cowboys’ defense could take another leap forward, potentially giving them an edge over their NFC rivals.
Chase Young’s Impact and Potential
Chase Young’s potential to transform a defense is undeniable. Drafted second overall by the Washington Commanders in the 2020 NFL Draft, Young burst onto the scene as one of the most electrifying edge rushers in the NFL. Over his first two seasons, he established himself as a leader in Washington’s defense, accumulating 20 sacks and earning multiple Pro Bowl selections.
However, Young’s career took a detour in 2022 when he suffered a torn ACL, causing him to miss a significant portion of the season. Although he returned to action in 2023, he never quite regained his elite form, with injuries continuing to hamper his performance. Still, at only 24 years old, Young possesses the raw physical traits that have scouts drooling: exceptional speed off the edge, a relentless motor, and the ability to dominate offensive tackles.
In 2024, Young showed glimpses of his previous form, tallying 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, solidifying his place as one of the most talented pass rushers in the league. With the right coaching and a change of scenery, many believe that Young has the ability to reclaim his spot among the NFL’s elite pass rushers and become a nightmare for quarterbacks across the league. For Dallas, getting a player with Young’s upside could be a potential game-changer for a defense that already boasts talent at nearly every level.
While Young is still developing as a player, there is little doubt that he could thrive in Dallas’ system, playing alongside Parsons, Lawrence, and the other dynamic playmakers in their front seven. The Cowboys are known for their aggressive defense, and Young’s presence will only make it more dangerous for opposing quarterbacks.
Impact on the Saints
For the New Orleans Saints, this trade has raised eyebrows for a number of reasons. First, the Saints were hoping to land a top-tier player with their second-overall pick, and many had speculated that they would be in the market for a franchise-altering player, possibly selecting a player like Will Johnson, the top cornerback in the draft, or Javon Bullard, the top safety prospect. Instead, they now find themselves without one of the most talented defensive players in the 2025 class.
The Saints’ defense, while still respectable, has been inconsistent in recent seasons, and the loss of a game-changer like Young certainly doesn’t help. The team has needed a top-tier edge rusher to complement their strong secondary and defensive front, and Young could have been the perfect addition to put the defense over the top. However, the decision to trade for future draft picks suggests that New Orleans is building for the future rather than going all-in on the 2025 season.
The Saints will now need to get creative with their draft strategy to find a player who can make an immediate impact, but the loss of the second-overall pick is a major blow to their efforts. The team’s salary cap situation also complicates matters, as New Orleans has been working hard to clear cap space to remain competitive in the coming years.
With their current roster in flux, it’s possible that the Saints could be looking to build around a younger core, starting with quarterback Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 Draft. The team could opt to focus on offensive weapons or bolster their offensive line, which has been a sore spot in recent years.
A Major Blow to the NFC South Rivalry
The ramifications of this trade go beyond just the Saints and Cowboys. The NFC South rivalry has been heating up for years, with the Saints and the Cowboys often finding themselves at odds in key matchups. By trading for Chase Young, the Cowboys have not only bolstered their defense but also potentially made it more difficult for the Saints to compete in their own division.
With the Saints already facing challenges from the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Cowboys’ move to snag one of the most coveted defensive players in the NFL sends a clear message: Dallas is all-in for the 2025 season, and they’re not afraid to make bold moves to ensure success.
For New Orleans, the trade with Dallas could leave them in a more precarious position than originally expected. With a top-tier pass rusher now out of their grasp, the Saints will have to reevaluate their strategy and focus on building a defense that can contend with the likes of the Cowboys and other NFC contenders.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams
For the Cowboys, the addition of Chase Young could be the final piece to an already elite defense. With Parsons and Lawrence leading the charge, Young’s arrival gives Dallas one of the most fearsome defensive lines in the NFL. The Cowboys are poised to make another deep playoff run in 2025, and with Young on board, they could very well become one of the top contenders in the NFC.
As for the Saints, the focus now shifts to the future. While they may have lost out on a top-tier defensive player, they are still in a position to build a competitive roster through smart draft picks and cap management. With their second-overall pick now gone, New Orleans will need to regroup and shift focus toward their offensive and defensive needs, looking to find their next franchise-altering player in the draft.
The NFC South remains one of the most unpredictable divisions in the league, and with the addition of Chase Young to Dallas’ defense, the balance of power could shift dramatically in the coming season. The Saints, meanwhile, will need to dig deep if they hope to remain competitive in a division that just got a lot more difficult to navigate.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on both the Saints and Cowboys to see how their respective strategies unfold. One thing is certain: this trade has changed the landscape of the NFC South and could have lasting implications for years to come.
New Orleans Saints
BREAKING: Saints Set to land $22 million All-Pro wide receiver to Pair Derek Carr following…

BREAKING: Saints Set to land $22 million All-Pro wide receiver to Pair Derek Carr following….
The New Orleans Saints are running it back with Derek Carr for at least another season so it’s likely they will need to give him some extra weapons to work with.
Despite entering the offseason with some massive salary-cap issues, the Saints once again have enough room to make a potential splash signing work. As of this writing, New Orleans is working with roughly $17 million in salary-cap space, per Spotrac.
Could that be enough to lure former Los Angeles Rams All-Pro Cooper Kupp to New Orleans in free agency? That remains to be seen, but the front office reportedly has their eye on the situation, per Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
“But with that being said, okay so you have teams like, I can tell you the Seattle Seahawks are poking around on this thing, the Packers are looking at this, the Saints,” Russini said (h/t John Sigler of Saints Wire). “The Saints got their eye on it. Teams that I thought would be in, that are not in on the Cooper Kupp market, the Denver Broncos, the New England Patriots, the Houston Texans. I think they just are valuing different players at this moment.”
Should the Saints find themselves in the mix, they won’t be without some stiff competition. This is especially true for teams like the Patriots, who still lead the NFL with roughly $94 million in salary-cap space.
Russini reported on the podcast that Kupp is seeking a deal in the $14-15 million range, which is something Jeff Howe of The Athletic also reported separately. However, Russini admitted she believes Kupp will wind up getting a deal in the $11-12 million range, which is what Spotrac currently projects his market to be.
The Saints could use a running mate for Chris Olave as New Orleans brings in Kellen Moore to run the offense so even with some salary-cap limits, this will be one to watch.
New Orleans Saints
“Looking Back, Leaving the Saints Was a Step Up” – Ex-New Orleans Star Marshon Lattimore Throws Major Shade at His Former Club, Raising Eyebrows with Bold Remarks

“Looking Back, Leaving the Saints Was a Step Up” – Ex-New Orleans Star Marshon Lattimore Throws Major Shade at His Former Club, Raising Eyebrows with Bold Remarks
Former New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore has sent shockwaves through the NFL with his latest comments about his departure from the team, claiming that moving on was a “step up” for him. The bold remarks have raised eyebrows across the league, with Saints fans reacting strongly to his statement.
Lattimore, a four-time Pro Bowler and key figure in the Saints’ defense since being drafted in 2017, was recently traded amid speculation about his long-term future in New Orleans. While he had been a cornerstone of the team’s secondary for years, injuries and salary cap concerns led to questions about whether the Saints would move on from their star defender.
Now, in a candid interview, Lattimore has shed light on his exit, making it clear that he sees his new situation as an improvement.
“Looking back, leaving the Saints was a step up,” Lattimore said. “It was the right decision at the right time. I’ve been able to grow in ways that wouldn’t have been possible if I had stayed.”
His comments have sparked outrage among Saints fans, many of whom viewed him as a franchise cornerstone and one of the best defensive players in team history. While some believe his words reflect lingering frustration over how his departure was handled, others see them as an unnecessary dig at the organization that drafted and developed him.
Lattimore played a crucial role in the Saints’ success during his tenure, helping them secure multiple playoff appearances and establishing himself as one of the league’s top shutdown corners. However, his later years in New Orleans were marred by injuries, and with the Saints facing salary cap issues, trading him became a realistic option.
The Saints have yet to officially respond to Lattimore’s comments, but his statement has reignited debates over whether the team made the right decision in parting ways with him. Some analysts argue that New Orleans needed to move on for financial and strategic reasons, while others believe losing a player of Lattimore’s caliber will hurt the team in the long run.
Meanwhile, fans have taken to social media to voice their opinions, with reactions ranging from disappointment to outright anger. Many feel that Lattimore’s remarks are disrespectful to a franchise that gave him his NFL start and supported him through his highs and lows. Others, however, believe he is simply being honest about his situation and expressing relief at moving on from a team in transition.
As Lattimore settles into his new team, his words will no doubt fuel discussions about the Saints’ direction and whether their decision to part ways with him was the right move. Whether his departure truly was a “step up” remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—his comments have added a new layer of drama to his already complex relationship with New Orleans.
With the Saints focused on rebuilding their roster and Lattimore looking to prove himself in a new environment, this storyline will be one to watch throughout the upcoming NFL season.
New Orleans Saints
JUST IN: Saints Make Power Moves in Free Agency, Snagging CB Isaac Yiadom, TE Jack Stoll, and OL Will Clapp.

JUST IN: Saints Make Power Moves in Free Agency, Snagging CB Isaac Yiadom, TE Jack Stoll, and OL Will Clapp.
Saints Strengthen Roster with Key Free Agent Signings: Isaac Yiadom, Jack Stoll, and Will Clapp Return to New Orleans.
The New Orleans Saints have bolstered their roster with the additions of cornerback Isaac Yiadom, tight end Jack Stoll, and offensive lineman Will Clapp, the team announced Thursday.
Yiadom, fresh off a season with the San Francisco 49ers, is making his return to New Orleans on a three-year deal. The 6-foot-1, 188-pound cornerback played 17 games for the 49ers last season, delivering a career-high 44 tackles, one interception, six pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. A key contributor on special teams, he also recorded two tackles and recovered a fumbled punt. Since being drafted in the third round in 2018 out of Boston College, Yiadom has played in 87 games for multiple teams, including Denver, the New York Giants, Green Bay, Houston, New Orleans, and San Francisco.
Tight end Jack Stoll joins the Saints on a one-year contract after splitting last season between the Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 247 pounds, Stoll entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Nebraska and has since appeared in 61 regular-season games, tallying 22 receptions for 193 yards and making an impact on special teams. He also played in five playoff games with the Eagles before being released ahead of their Super Bowl push last season.
Offensive lineman Will Clapp, a New Orleans native and former LSU standout, returns to the team that originally drafted him in the seventh round in 2018. The 6-foot-5, 314-pound lineman has played 66 regular-season games with 22 starts, showcasing his versatility at both guard spots, center, and as an extra offensive lineman. After stints with the Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo Bills, Clapp started a career-high 11 games at center for the Chargers in 2023 and contributed as a reserve lineman for the Bills last season, including both of Buffalo’s playoff games.
With these signings, the Saints reinforce their depth and experience across multiple positions, aiming for a stronger campaign in the upcoming season.
New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints strike a $9M agreement with Isaac Yiadom in an effort to fortify their secondary for upcoming battles

New Orleans Saints strike a $9M agreement with Isaac Yiadom in an effort to fortify their secondary for upcoming battles
The Saints have secured veteran cornerback Isaac Yiadom on a three-year contract valued at $9 million, with potential earnings reaching $10.5 million through performance incentives. The agreement includes $4.65 million in guaranteed money, marking a strategic step to enhance the team’s secondary depth.
Reinforcing the Defensive Backfield
Yiadom’s return to New Orleans comes after two seasons with the franchise. His signing aims to provide additional competition for a starting role, as he joins a group that features Alontae Taylor on the outside and a promising second-year defender in Kool-Aid McKinstry. The move represents a commitment to fortifying the defensive backfield ahead of a challenging season.
A Veteran with Proven Expertise
Originally drafted in the third round by the Broncos in 2018, Yiadom has established himself as a reliable presence in coverage. His recent performances have demonstrated consistency, yielding impressive numbers that include an 86.1 passer rating and 7.2 yards per target over 34 games. This experience is expected to contribute significantly to the team’s defensive schemes.
Strategic Return and Future Impact
The decision to bring Yiadom back underscores a broader strategy of leveraging veteran experience and familiar coaching connections within the organization. His previous stint with the Saints and established rapport with the defensive coordinator promises a smooth reintegration and a competitive edge in the secondary. As the season nears, this addition could prove vital in the team’s defensive battle plans.
New Orleans Saints
DONE DEAL: Saints sign longtime Eagles tight end Jack Stoll, adding depth at a key position as promised by GM Mickey Loomis

DONE DEAL: Saints sign longtime Eagles tight end Jack Stoll, adding depth at a key position as promised by GM Mickey Loomis
Here’s that blocking tight end that Mickey Loomis was talking about. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports the Saints are signing tight end Jack Stoll to a one-year deal, adding depth behind Juwan Johnson. With Foster Moreau on the mend and Taysom Hill’s future uncertain, the Saints needed another tight end to round out the depth chart.
Stoll, 27, played college football at Nebraska and has spent most of his time in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles — including 57 of his 61 regular season games, plus five playoff games. While he spent the summer with the New York Giants, he didn’t make it through roster cuts and returned to Philly’s practice squad. The Eagles waived him last November and he played the last four games of 2024 with the Miami Dolphins.
He’s someone several Saints coaches know well, particularly Kellen Moore and run game coordinator T.J. Paganetti. Stoll has a reputation as a skilled blocker on running plays and that figures to be his main role in New Orleans; Pro Football Focus charting found he has logged 1,019 snaps as a run blocker compared to 126 reps in pass protection, and just 523 routes run on passing plays.
He shouldn’t be seen as a big part of the passing game with 22 catches for 193 yards in his career but Stoll has a lot of experience on special teams, too, with 797 career snaps on the kicking units. Expect Stoll to help Moore and Co. establish the run in 2025.
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