Chase Young was the "can't-miss" kid. Back in 2020, if you weren't holding a stack of his Prizm Silvers, people in the hobby looked at you like you’d lost your mind. He was the "Predator." He was the second overall pick. He was going to be the next Lawrence Taylor. Then, the NFL reality check hit hard. Injuries, a trade away from Washington, and a few "quiet" years turned those once-expensive Chase Young rookie cards into bargain-bin residents.
But things look different in early 2026.
If you’ve been paying attention to the New Orleans Saints' defensive line lately, you know the narrative is shifting again. Young isn't just a "role player" anymore. He’s healthy. He’s putting up double-digit sacks again. Most importantly for collectors, his card prices are finally waking up from a multi-year slumber.
The Cards That Actually Matter
Don't get distracted by the base cards. You can find 2020 Donruss base Rated Rookies for less than the price of a cheap taco. If you want skin in the game, you have to look at the "Big Three" of the modern era: Prizm, Optic, and National Treasures.
2020 Panini Prizm Silver #383
This is the industry standard. Period. It's the card everyone points to when they talk about "true" value. In 2021, a PSA 10 of the Chase Young rookie card in Silver Prizm was a four-figure dream. Today? It’s much more accessible, but the "pop" (population) on high grades is still significant enough to drive a liquid market.
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Check for the centering on these. Prizm was notorious for being heavy on the left or right in 2020. If you find a centered copy with clean edges, hold onto it.
2020 Donruss Optic Rated Rookie #166
A lot of guys actually prefer Optic over Prizm. The "Rated Rookie" logo has a nostalgia factor that Prizm can't touch. The Holo version is the direct competitor to the Prizm Silver. It’s got that clean, chrome finish but feels a bit more "classic football."
Honestly, the on-card autographs in the Optic set—specifically the Bronze or Blue parallels—are where the real growth potential lives. Collectors are tired of sticker autos. Optic gives you that hard-signed authenticity that feels premium.
The High-End Whale: National Treasures
If you're playing with "house money" or just have a big budget, National Treasures is the peak. Specifically, the Rookie Patch Auto (RPA).
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We aren't talking about a random piece of jersey here. We’re talking about the three-color patches with a serial number to /99 or less. These cards are the "Blue Chips." Even when the market dipped, the NT RPAs held a baseline of value because high-end defensive collectors don't let them go easily.
Recently, a 2020 National Treasures Chase Young RPA /99 sold for significantly more than it would have a year ago. Why? Because the "comeback" story is a powerful drug in the hobby. People love a redemption arc.
Why the Defensive Market is Weird
Let’s be real for a second. Investing in defensive players is risky. It’s not like holding a quarterback. A QB can have one good season and their cards go to the moon. A defensive end needs to be a Hall of Fame lock to keep high prices long-term.
Look at Von Miller or Khalil Mack. Incredible players. Superstars. But their rookie cards don't touch the price of a mid-tier QB like Kirk Cousins. It’s just the way the hobby works.
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However, Chase Young has "The Look." He’s a brand. His 2021 Absolute Kaboom! cards—while technically an insert and not a "true" rookie—are a perfect example. The Gold /10 and the base Kaboom are still some of the most liquid assets in his portfolio. They are art pieces. People buy them because they look cool on a shelf, regardless of the Sunday stat line.
What to Look for When Buying
If you're hunting for a Chase Young rookie card on eBay or at a card show this weekend, keep these three things in mind:
- Check the "True" Rookie status: Look for the "RC" logo. Panini released a million products in 2020. Stuff like "Select Draft Picks" or "Prizm Draft Picks" (where he's in his Ohio State gear) is always worth less than the cards where he’s in his NFL uniform.
- Condition is King: 2020 was a high-print-year. There are thousands of these cards out there. If yours isn't a PSA 9 or 10 (or a raw card that looks perfect), it’s just another piece of cardboard.
- The "Saints" Factor: Collectors are finally moving past the Washington era. The cards showing him in the Burgundy and Gold are the "historicals," but his performance in New Orleans is what’s driving the current buy orders.
Is it Too Late to Buy In?
Kinda. The "bottom" was definitely about 18 months ago when everyone assumed he was a bust. You missed the absolute lowest prices. But, compared to his 2020 peak? You're still buying at a massive discount.
If Young finishes this 2025-2026 cycle with a Pro Bowl nod or a deep playoff run with the Saints, these prices won't stay this low.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Target Silver Parallels: Focus on Prizm or Optic Holos. Avoid the base cards unless you’re just a fan of the guy and want a cheap memento.
- Grade the Raw Copies: If you find a clean raw copy of a high-end parallel, send it to PSA or SGC. The "slab" premium is real, and it's the only way to protect your investment if he continues this hot streak.
- Watch the Injury Reports: It sounds cold, but defensive line value is tied to health. Any sign of that old knee issue and the market will freeze instantly.
- Diversify into Inserts: Look for the 2020 Downtown! (Optic) or the Kaboom! (Absolute). These are "case hits" and have a much lower supply than the standard Prizm Silvers.