The New Orleans Saints are gearing up for their 2025 regular season with a significant roster change, notably welcoming Kellen Moore as their new head coach. As the team prepares for its opener against the Arizona Cardinals, the spotlight falls on Chase Young, the team's current edge rusher who dons the number 99. Young steps into a legacy where notable players like Norman Hand and Tony Elliott previously excelled, making the number a symbol of defensive strength. Hand, often remembered for his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, had notable stats during his tenure, while Elliott's contributions to the Saints' success during the 80s cannot be understated.

Throughout history, several players have etched their names in Saints lore while wearing the number 99, and Young aims to continue that tradition. Defensive players have historically impacted the game's outcome, and with Young's skill set, he is poised to make an immediate effect on the Saints' defensive strategies. Young's journey in New Orleans is just beginning, and fans are eager to see how he will carry forward the legacy of those who wore 99 before him.

Recent rankings from Pro Football Focus highlight Carl Granderson as the New Orleans Saints' premier edge rusher, surpassing even the much-discussed Chase Young. Granderson's consistency in recent seasons has not gone unnoticed, as he has now secured the 22nd spot among the NFL's top edge rushers according to analysts, who emphasize his upward trajectory based on career metrics and film analysis.

Known for his ability to disrupt plays and his tenacity on the field, Granderson has become a foundational piece of the Saints' defensive strategy. His performance is critical as the team looks to enhance its defensive output in the competitive NFC South.

The 2025 NFL draft has come and gone, leaving several free agents from the New Orleans Saints still seeking contracts. The team is likely to make additional signings to address gaps at wide receiver, cornerback, and edge rusher. Notably, veterans Cameron Jordan and Chase Young will be pivotal in filling these roles, but additional support is essential. The deadline for compensatory draft picks has passed, allowing the Saints to sign players without affecting their 2026 fourth-round pick.

Among the free agents still on the market are running back Jamaal Williams and defensive lineman Tanoh Kpassagnon. Players who have re-signed include Chase Young and Ugo Amadi, while key departures such as Paulson Adebo and Marquez Valdes-Scantling have moved to other teams.

The New Orleans Saints' offseason has drawn criticism, culminating in a failing grade from Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport. The Saints' limited activity was overshadowed by questionable contracts awarded to Chase Young and Juwan Johnson. Young's deal, valued at $17 million per year following a modest output of 5.5 sacks, raised eyebrows, suggesting a disconnect between his performance and pay scale. Johnson's contract, while slightly lower at over $10 million annually, also drew critique for its lack of justification, given that his production could have garnered a lesser figure elsewhere. Critics argue that such inflated contracts for underperforming players reflect poorly on the Saints' overall strategy, especially in a quiet offseason where other moves were minimal.