It may not be a priority, but it should be.
There were some standout players throughout the New Orleans Saints' 2025 season, but Chase Young may be the top one. Yes, Tyler Shough's emergence as a potential franchise QB is the most important, but Young's presence completely changed the defense.
If you remember, Young started the season injured and unavailable. This caused many people throughout the Saints fandom to question his value on the roster and question what he can bring to the team. This worry was understandable due to how many players have been injured in recent seasons, but Young shut up criticism quickly.
Once Young was added back to the starting lineup, the defense changed. While he was out, the pass rush was lethargic, and it felt like QBs had all the time in the world in the backfield. When Young was back, he was able to attack the QB, drawing so much attention from offenses that it opened up opportunities for other defensive linemen around him. If it weren't for Young, Carl Granderson and Cam Jordan would not have had the production they got.
Of course, it was nice to see Young finish with double-digit sacks for the first time in his career, but his impact on the defense was what made him so valuable for the Saints. If it were not for him, this defensive line would be in a much worse spot, and because of that, a conversation about his future should be had.
The Saints were smart to give Young his first contract with the team, but the second contract was even better. They got a real EDGE1 for pretty cheap compared to players around the NFL, and he is under contract for another two seasons. Speaking of that contract, it will be up before Young turns 29. With him still being under 30 when his contract ends, extending Young for another two seasons on his current contract could be the next smart move the Saints make.
His extension would be at the current market price, and that could change very quickly. We are already seeing how much could change in an offseason with Chris Olave's contract, and that could easily happen with Young. Obviously, it's going to depend on what Young is asking on that extension, but he may be willing to stay for longer because this is his first team he has had sustained success with.
It may be time for the Saints to get this deal done.