The Saints' addition of pass rusher Chase Young provides youth to defensive coordinator Joe Woods' unit in 2024.
He joins a New Orleans team that decided to run it back this offseason with core players like pass rusher Cameron Jordan, linebacker Demario Davis and safety Tyrann Mathieu, as the latter two both agreed to new extensions in March.
Jordan, who turns 35 in July, believes the signing of Young could add another dimension to the Saints.
"I think Chase Young is going to be great for our defense," Jordan said on NFL Total Access on Friday night. "We already got Carl Granderson, who's stellar these last couple of years. I think with growth him being on the opposite side when he gets the right health, physically. He's going to be another piece we can add on.
"At some point in my mind, I'm spinning like it's going to be me, Chase and Carl Granderson on the field at the same time on a crucial third down and I'm probably going to have to go in the middle. I don't care. Whatever it takes. I'll line up and be that Za’Darius Smith over the middle roaming and trying to get active. I think it adds another weapon to our defense."
Jordan, the No. 24 overall pick in the 2011 draft, has been a problem for offensive coordinators since entering the league. Throughout his 13 seasons in the Bayou State, Jordan has had 225 quarterback hits, 153 tackles for loss, 117.5 sacks and 15 forced fumbles in 209 games. However, the eight-time Pro Bowler managed just two sacks in 2023, his lowest since his rookie season (1.0).
As for Young, it's been a busy eight months. He started the 2023 season with the Washington Commanders. On Halloween, Washington traded Young to the San Francisco 49ers for a third-round pick. In free agency, Young signed a one-year deal with the Saints, and the following day he underwent neck surgery. The 2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year is expected to be ready for the start of the season in September.
The Saints haven't been the only team in the division to add significant pieces this offseason, though. The Atlanta Falcons signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to a lucrative contract coming off a torn Achilles and then still drafted Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall to learn behind him.
When asked about Cousins joining the NFC South, Jordan recounted his experience with the former Viking and gave the Falcons some friendly banter about their "situation" at the position.
"I think I sacked him when he was with his two previous teams," Jordan said. "I'm sure I sacked him when he was with Washington. I for sure know I sacked him with the Vikings. I mean, a new quarterback, maybe the newest quarterback somewhere in the season, they add in a Michael Penix Jr. I don't know their situation, where you spend a top-10 draft pick on a quarterback. I don't know what you do there. You know, I'm just going to add fuel to the flames. Why not."
With Cousins "pretty much full-go" for offseason workouts according to head coach Raheem Morris, he appears on track to be ready for the teams' first matchup in Week 4 -- a clash Jordan is aware he has added some extra fire too with his recent words.
