The Carolina Panthers are chasing after some much-needed defensive help.
As first reported by NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero on Tuesday afternoon, free-agent pass rusher Chase Young is expected to meet with the Panthers this week. Young, per Pelissero, is also set to visit with the NFC South rival New Orleans Saints.
Young was selected with the second overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft by the Washington Commanders. The Ohio State University standout proceeded to immediately stand out in the pros, as a 7.5-sack campaign helped earn him AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Injuries woes, however, would derail his next two seasons. Young played in 12 of a possible 34 games between 2021 and 2022, where he totaled just 1.5 sacks.
He would eventually be traded to the San Francisco 49ers at the 2023 trade deadline. Young ended the season with 7.5 sacks.
Carolina, who finished last in quarterback takedowns this past season, should certainly be in the market for edge help—especially after yesterday’s trade of two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns. The roster also lost fellow linebacker Frankie Luvu, who recorded the second-most sacks (5.5) on the team in 2023.
