Saints Big Free Agent Signing Already Having Surgery

It feels like the New Orleans Saints are always in salary cap trouble when the NFL's free agency period rolls around. The team has perpetually been in restructure mode with their biggest players. But while they do that every year, they always seem to get under the salary cap, and then find some money to go get some additions to their roster.

This year the team restructured the contracts of quarterback Derek Carr, center Erik McCoy, guard Cesar Ruiz, and defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd. This means they changed the language and payout structure of these deals to open up money. Like they might convert some of Derek Carr's future earnings into a signing bonus, which will take money off the salary cap.

We may not be smart enough to understand exactly how it works, but it does, and the Saints made it happen again this year. Enough to where they could go get one of the free agent prizes on the market. Former #2 overall NFL Draft Pick and Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young.

Young was initially drafted by the Washington Commanders franchise, where he spent the first three and a half years of his career. Midway through last season he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. He then helped the 49ers win the NFC, and played in the Super Bowl. During Super Bowl LVIII, Young registered a sack in the 49ers loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

When Young hit the open market, there were a lot of people paying close attention, because his talent seems extremely valuable to many franchises. Its fair to say it was shocking that the Saints ended up winning his services.

The Saints agreed to a one year deal with Young, set to pay him around $13 million dollars.

But quickly after it was reported that Young had chosen the Saints, it was revealed he needs surgery. Not just a minor procedure either; Young requires neck surgery.

This also doesn't seem like its a minor neck procedure either. Because Young is already being ruled out for training camp. With optimistic suggestions saying that "if everything goes right", he could be ready by week 1.

That all seems like a pretty big gamble for a Saints franchise still searching for a path the winning the NFC South.