Introduction
Chase Young has become one of the most recognizable defensive stars in the NFL over the last half-decade. Known for his explosive pass rush, relentless motor, and elite college legacy, Young’s path from high school phenom to high-stakes professional athlete is a story of talent, expectation, and ongoing evolution. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine Chase Young’s touchdowns, trades, Heisman campaign, high school legacy, draft journey, and salary details — answering all the big questions about this football standout along the way.
1. Early Life and High School Career
Chase Young grew up in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, where his football journey began at a young age. He attended DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland — a powerhouse program known for producing Division I talent.
High School Performance
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Young was a consensus 5-star recruit and one of the nation’s top defensive prospects.
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He dominated as a pass rusher, racking up double-digit sacks over his final seasons and helping DeMatha to a competitive program reputation.
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His athleticism and size made him a perfect fit for a major college program — and he chose to commit to Ohio State University, bypassing offers from other Power 5 programs.
Young’s high school reputation was built on size (6-5, roughly 265 lbs), strength, and a rare combination of speed and power for a defensive end — traits that set the stage for his future success.
2. College Breakout and Heisman Campaign
At Ohio State, Chase Young took his talents to the next level, quickly emerging as one of college football’s most feared defenders.
Dominant Seasons
After limited action as a freshman, Young exploded in his junior season (2019) with the Buckeyes:
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Set the Ohio State single-season sack record with 16.5 sacks.
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Led the nation in sacks and tackles for loss.
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Earned unanimous All-American honors and multiple national defensive awards.
Heisman Finalist
Unusually for a defensive player, Young became a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2019, finishing fourth in the voting — a rare feat for a non-offensive player.
This highlighted how dominant he was on the national stage, as defensive players rarely make the final Heisman ballot — typically dominated by quarterbacks and running backs.
3. NFL Draft: Who Drafted Chase Young?
Following his junior season and historic performance at Ohio State, Young declared for the 2020 NFL Draft, foregoing his senior year.
Draft Night
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Selected 2nd overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.
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Drafted by the Washington Football Team (now Commanders).
At draft time, many analysts ranked Young as the best overall player in the class due to his rare defensive impact and potential as a generational pass rusher.
4. NFL Career: Sacks, Touchdowns & Performance
Pro Career Overview
Since entering the league in 2020:
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Young made an immediate impact, earning AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
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He has continued to be a disruptive force off the edge, earning Pro Bowl honors and recording multiple seasons with solid sack numbers.
Touchdown Plays
While primarily a defensive end with responsibilities focused on rushing the passer and stopping the run, defensive players like Young occasionally score via fumble returns or defensive touchdowns. As of mid-2025, Young does not have an official offensive rushing or receiving touchdown in the NFL, but he has contributed clutch defensive plays and occasional return opportunities.
5. Trade History: Moves Across the NFL
Trade to the 49ers (2023)
In a notable transaction in late 2023, the San Francisco 49ers acquired Chase Young from the Washington Commanders.
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The 49ers sent a 2024 third-round pick to Washington in exchange for Young.
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This move signaled San Francisco’s commitment to bolstering its defensive front with a proven pass rusher.
Saints Signing (2024–25)
In March 2024, Chase Young signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints, and in **March 2025 re-signed a multi-year contract with the team, cementing his future with the Saints beyond the trade era.
Trades and moves like these are a reminder of how valuable a defensive playmaker Young can be — and how teams invest draft capital to bring in game-changing talent.
6. Salary & Contract Details
Chase Young has earned significant money throughout his NFL career, including rookie earnings and later contracts.
Rookie Contract
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Drafted 2nd overall, Young signed a fully guaranteed rookie deal with Washington, valued at over $34.5 million with a large signing bonus.
Saints Contracts
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In March 2025, he signed a three-year contract worth roughly $51 million with the New Orleans Saints.
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This contract has an average salary of about $17 million per year.
2025 Cap & Earnings
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For 2025, his cap charge is around $6.8 million.
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Over his career, Young has amassed tens of millions in earnings, including base salary, bonuses, and endorsements.
Net Worth
Estimates place Young’s net worth around $20 million as of 2025, including NFL earnings and sponsorship deals.
7. Legacy & Future Outlook
Chase Young’s story is ongoing — his high draft position, college accolades, early NFL success, and multiple team stops paint the picture of a player whose career still has chapters to be written. As of 2025:
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He remains a highly paid defensive force.
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Teams value his pass rush as a disruptive cornerstone of their defensive schemes.
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Fans and analysts continue to watch for his next big season.
FAQs About Chase Young
1. Did Chase Young ever win the Heisman Trophy?
No — although he was a finalist in 2019, he did not win. His Heisman campaign was historic for a defensive player.
2. Which team drafted Chase Young?
He was drafted 2nd overall by the Washington Football Team (Commanders) in the 2020 NFL Draft.
3. Has Chase Young scored any NFL touchdowns?
As of mid-2025, Young has not scored an offensive touchdown but has made impactful defensive plays.
4. What high school did Chase Young attend?
He attended DeMatha Catholic High School in Maryland, where he was a top recruit.
5. What is Chase Young’s salary in 2025?
In 2025, Young’s contract with the Saints includes a three-year, $51 million deal with a cap hit around $6.8 million.
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