| Did you splash your face with water this morning? Metaphorically speaking, the Saints sure have. Good morning and welcome to the March 19 edition of the Saints Insider newsletter — where we actually have a major free-agent signing to write about. (Gasp!) Forever YoungIf you haven't heard by now, the New Orleans Saints signed defensive end Chase Young to a one-year, $13 million contract, a splash signing that also comes with a bit of risk. It's only appropriate I handle the newsletter today because coincidentally, I covered Young over his first four years in Washington when I covered the Washington Commanders for another newspaper. And at his best, Young has been one of the more tantalizing pass rushers I've seen since covering the NFL. But as he signs with New Orleans, it's fair to wonder what version of Young are the getting next season. Young, who turns 25 next month, hasn't reached the same heights as he did his first year when the 2020 second overall pick won Defensive Rookie of the Year with an impressive campaign that also helped Washington make the playoffs. That's because in 2021, Young suffered a major knee injury in tearing his ACL and patellar tendon. The injury kept Young out most of 2022 and though he played a career high 16 games this past season, he's still looking to rediscover the form that made people believe he was a generational prospect. Even if it doesn't work out for the Saints, Young's signing could still be worth the flyer. New Orleans badly needs pass rushing help after a lackluster 2023, and Young was arguably the most intriguing name left on the market because of his pedigree. Busy beesBefore signing Young, the Saints were active in free agency with other low-cost moves. And on Monday, we got a chance to speak with a few of them. Here's what we learned: - Former St. Aug standout Stanley Morgan is happy to join his hometown Saints — even though he might have initially angered his mom in the process.
- Nathan Peterman provided clarity about the Saints' backup quarterback situation, including what coaches told him about the opportunity to compete. (Spoiler: Get ready to see Jake Haener vs. Peterman in training camp.)
Insider's take Want more analysis about the Young signing? The Saints Insider crew has you covered. We recorded a brief 10-minute reactionary pod about the addition before our group meets again on Wednesday. Among the topics covered include Young's potential impact, how the addition affects Cam Jordan and what this means for the NFL draft. My colleague Jeff Duncan thinks this all but eliminates a pass rusher being selected when the Saints are on the clock at No. 14. "They like to go into the draft free to take the best player available," Duncan said. "I'd be stunned now if they took an edge rusher in the first, or even with their second pick." It was a busy Monday. Let's see if the rest of the week turns out to be that way. Until then, take care. Thanks, Matthew Paras | 
