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 sign possible starting quarterback to play alongside Chris Olave, Alvin Kamara ahead of 2025 NFL season
BREAKING: Saints sign possible starting quarterback to play alongside Chris Olave, Alvin Kamara ahead of 2025 NFL season
The New Orleans Saints are in the middle of a quarterback battle. Now, they have signed a possible starter to their roster.
The New Orleans Saints might have one of the weakest quarterback rooms in the NFL. However, that hasn’t stopped the team of having a quarterback battle to see who will command the offense. An offense, by the way, that has the likes of Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara on the roster.
According to Adam Schefter, from ESPN, the Saints have signed QB Tyler Shough to his rookie contract. This will be a fully-guaranteed $10.795 million contract. This is a part of the whole second-rounders signing guaranteed deals. Now, the quarterback is ready to go for training camp.
At pick No. 40, Shough is the last player picked in the 2025 NFL Draft to get a fully-guaranteed deal. The contract also includes annual ‘Roster Bonus‘ structure, something that only first round pick have. With this, Shough will receive the majority of his pay each year during the first week of training camp.
Shough has to earn his spot
While many think Shough will start, he has to earn the starting role. He is currently competing with Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. Shough was picked in the second round so there is some sort of hype behind him. However, the fact that he hasn’t been announced as the starter might concern some as the competition isn’t the most tough.
Rattler and Haener failed to deliver last season. Shough played for Louisville in 2024 and he threw for 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, all while completing 62.7% of his passes. Shough didn’t set the College Football stage on fire, but at least he brings a fresh face to a roster that desperately needs a good passer.
The Saints should have a decent offense
Newly-appointed head coach Kellen Moore made a name for himself by being an explosive play-drawer as offensive coordinator. Moore likes big plays, establishing play-action and explosive runs. Now, he will have to be more lenient as his quarterbacks are not proven NFL talents.
That doesn’t mean the Saints are talent-less on offense. Chris Olave, when healthy, is a top-tier wideout in the league. Also, Alvin Kamara is one of the most versatile offensive weapons in the NFL. He is a very good runner, and an elite pass-catcher, making him one of the best running backs you can have.
Taysom Hill to Denver? Reunion with Sean Payton Could Be Brewing
In what could become one of the most talked-about NFL moves of the offseason, rumors are swirling that Taysom Hill may be on his way out of New Orleans, and the Denver Broncos are reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation. With the Saints undergoing a transformation at quarterback, Hill’s future with the franchise that gave him a chance is suddenly in question.
Hill, the dynamic Swiss Army knife of the Saints, has long been a fan favorite in New Orleans thanks to his versatility, toughness, and explosive playmaking. But as the team shifts focus toward younger signal-callers and a traditional quarterback setup, his high price tag and undefined role are now under scrutiny by the front office.
Enter Sean Payton, the former Saints head coach who now leads the Denver Broncos. Payton is the coach who believed in Hill more than anyone, once calling him “Steve Young-like” in his potential. Under Payton’s guidance, Hill played quarterback, tight end, special teams, and more. Now, there’s growing buzz about a potential reunion between the two in Denver.
Reports from multiple sources suggest the Broncos could make a move for Hill if the Saints release him as a cap casualty or if he becomes trade bait. With Denver also experiencing quarterback uncertainty and needing offensive versatility, Hill could be seen as the perfect chess piece in Payton’s playbook once again.
Fans in New Orleans are split on the possibility of losing Hill. Some believe it’s time to move forward with a younger, cheaper roster, especially as the team tries to retool and compete in a wide-open NFC South. Others see Hill as a cultural cornerstone—a leader whose heart and grit can’t be measured in stats or salary.
Meanwhile, Denver fans are buzzing at the thought of bringing Hill to Mile High. With Russell Wilson gone and questions surrounding their current quarterback room, Hill could be used in hybrid packages that inject creativity and unpredictability into an offense in need of life.
From a business standpoint, moving Hill could help the Saints gain cap flexibility. He’s currently under a contract that includes voidable years and bonuses that escalate his hit. A trade or release would be difficult emotionally but potentially smart financially, especially as the team eyes the future.
Still, for many Saints fans, letting Hill go would feel like losing a part of the team’s soul. He’s been there through playoff pushes, quarterback injuries, and dramatic fourth-down conversions. His toughness and passion embodied the post-Drew Brees era in a way no one else did.
For now, both teams are staying silent, but the signs are growing louder. If Taysom Hill does end up in Denver, it wouldn’t just be a strategic move—it would be a sentimental reunion between a player and the coach who believed in him from the very start. And it could shake up both fanbases in a major way.
New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr rises like a phoenix to ignite hope for a roaring New Orleans Saints revival
Derek Carr rises like a phoenix to ignite hope for a roaring New Orleans Saints revival
Derek Carr: A New Era for the New Orleans Saints
With the onset of the NFL season, the New Orleans Saints find themselves at a critical juncture, brimming with renewed hope and aspirations. At the heart of this narrative is Derek Carr, whose arrival as the team’s quarterback has breathed new life into a franchise eager to reclaim its standing among football’s elite.
A Transformative Transition
Carr’s move to New Orleans signifies more than just a new chapter in his personal journey; it represents a pivotal moment for the Saints as they strive to rejuvenate their offensive dynamics. After dedicating almost a decade to the Las Vegas Raiders, Carr enters this new arena equipped with extensive experience and an insatiable drive to win, qualities that the Saints believe will foster immediate success. His renowned leadership and adeptness at dissecting defenses are already creating a ripple effect in the locker room, instilling a collective sense of determination and direction among the team.
Under Carr’s stewardship, the Saints are intent on realizing their offensive capabilities—a goal that has been at the forefront of their offseason preparations. His skill set is expected to enhance the team’s performance considerably, especially in a division known for its fierce competition. Carr’s proficiency in connecting with receivers and executing quick, decisive plays will be crucial as the Saints navigate the rigors of NFL competition.
Cultivating Relationships and Trust
A vital component of Carr’s integration into the Saints is the rapport he is forging with key offensive teammates. The chemistry between a quarterback and his receivers can often spell the difference between triumph and defeat, and Carr is actively working to build that essential connection. His early interactions with emerging stars like Chris Olave and seasoned veteran Michael Thomas hint at a promising aerial attack that could redefine the Saints’ offensive strategy.
Furthermore, Carr’s leadership style transcends the gridiron, as he willingly embraces the role of mentor to younger players. His commitment to instilling a rigorous work ethic is a testament to his respect for the franchise’s illustrious history. By fostering growth within the squad, Carr exemplifies an understanding that a strong team culture is foundational for long-term success.
Navigating the Road Ahead
Yet, the journey to success is laden with obstacles. The Saints are not only managing internal dynamics but also facing considerable external pressures. With a fanbase eager for playoff victories and a roster brimming with talent, the expectations loom large. Carr’s seasoned experience in high-stakes scenarios will be indispensable as he leads the team through the season’s inevitable challenges, reminding his teammates of the importance of focus and resilience.
Moreover, the Saints’ coaching staff has the essential task of capitalizing on Carr’s strengths while addressing areas that require improvement. The collaboration between Carr and the coaching staff will be pivotal in crafting game plans that maximize his unique abilities, ensuring the team can adapt effectively against a variety of opponents.
Forging a Lasting Legacy
As the season progresses, Carr’s influence on the Saints promises to extend beyond mere statistics. His presence heralds an optimistic shift in momentum for a franchise that has endured its share of trials in recent years. The hope is that Carr will not only guide the Saints back to playoff contention but also inspire a new generation of players to embrace the gritty spirit emblematic of New Orleans football.
Ultimately, the path ahead for Carr and the Saints is one marked by ambition and determination. Each game will serve as an opportunity to etch a legacy that resonates deeply with a passionate fanbase and pays homage to the franchise’s rich history. With every snap of the ball, all eyes will be on Carr—the linchpin of the Saints’ aspirations and the embodiment of hope for a city whose heart beats for football.
New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints star running back Alvin Kamara has agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $24.5 million.
New Orleans Saints star running back Alvin Kamara has agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $24.5 million.
securing his future with the franchise through the 2026 season. This deal comes after a tense offseason marked by contract negotiations and Kamara’s absence from mandatory minicamp due to dissatisfaction with his previous contract structure, which included nearly $25 million in non-guaranteed salary for 2025. Kamara emphasized that he was not seeking a raise but rather guaranteed money and expressed his desire to retire as a Saint. Despite the earlier contract drama, Kamara has delivered a strong performance in the 2024 season, leading the NFL in touchdowns early on and proving to be a key offensive weapon for the Saints under coordinator Klint Kubiak. The extension was confirmed by Kamara’s agent and announced officially by the Saints, ending speculation about his future with the team and trade rumors. Kamara remains the franchise’s all-time leader in touchdowns and has consistently surpassed 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his seven seasons.
New Orleans Saints
BREAKING: Saints Set To Cut Ties With Star Pair Of WRs Who Contributed In Past Years
BREAKING: Saints Set To Cut Ties With Star Pair Of WRs Who Contributed In Past Years
NFL roster competitions are wide open at this time of year, and the New Orleans Saints’ young offense could see hefty turnover.
The Saints have a few mainstays, like running back Alvin Kamara, wide receiver Chris Olave, and tight end Juwan Johnson. But after a 2024 season in which 17 players recorded at least one catch, there are bound to be some returners that get cut loose.
Focusing specifically on the wide receiver position, Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Brandin Cooks will be on the team barring an untimely injury. That probably leaves three spots on the 53-man roster to break camp for the regular season, and there are going to be at least five contenders for those spots.
Earlier this week, Matthew Paras of NOLA.com projected the roster. Paras predicted that two former undrafted free agents who saw significant time on the Saints’ active roster in 2024, Kevin Austin Jr. and Mason Tipton, would be the final roster cuts at the position.
Cedric Wilson, Bub Means, and Dante Pettis were projected to make the team.
“Wilson has familiarity with Moore, dating back to their days in Dallas. Means has had an impressive offseason, which could give him the edge over other young prospects like Kevin Austin and Mason Tipton,” Paras wrote. “Pettis is an obvious returner candidate, though he’s also displayed some chemistry with the quarterbacks.”
Austin, who was originally signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022, made his NFL regular season debut with the Saints, playing in eight games and recording 11 catches for 151 yards.
Tipton, a Saints signee after the 2024 draft, played in 11 games, catching 14 passes for 99 yards. Neither player recorded their first career touchdown.
Obviously, there’s a lot of football between now and Week 1. Either Austin or Tipton could already have the inside track, or someone could win a job with an impressive performance between training camp and the preseason.
However, the NFL is a bottom-line business, and this roster competition will be one to watch as the Saints look to build the best possible offense for rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.