By Ross Jackson
It is not often that the New Orleans Saints get involved with big name trades in the offseason. That includes when sending talent out or potentially bringing talent in.
On Monday, two NFL staples were wrapped up in trade conversations. Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett requested a trade citing, “The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.”
Later that same day, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp posted to social media to share that he was informed that the Rams would be seeking a trade immediately.
While the two big names could be on the move, history has shown that trade rumors often lead to no deal, with the team and player staying together. However, these feel different. If the Saints pursue one of them, Kupp seems like the wiser target.
As for the Saints and their ability to get involved with all of this, trading for Garrett is far from realistic. Due to salary cap limitations and a need for draft capital, making a move for the Cleveland edge rusher would be a major shock. Landing Garrett would likely require an extension and comes with a $14.8 million salary responsibility in 2025 and $25 million in 2026.
The extension for Garrett is expected to be in the range of $35 million per year as the edge rusher turns 30-years-old in 2025. The Saints, who are looking to get younger over the next few years will need the salary cap availability in order to do so. Cleveland also owes nothing to Garrett, so landing him with a contender doesn’t really have to be a part of the consideration, as he does not have a trade clause. However, the Browns also have no incentive to pick up a portion of his salary to help facilitate the deal.
Meanwhile when it comes to Kupp, the Rams may be looking to move him immediately without success. The trade window for players opens at 4 p.m. ET on March 12, when the new league year begins. At that point, Kupp could be dealt, but if the 2024 trade deadline was any indication, that may not be how it unfolds.
If so, the Saints should simply say c’est la vie and move on with their other plans for free agency. On the other hand, if Kupp is available on draft day, it would make sense for the Saints to work the phones.
Should New Orleans not land a top pass-catcher in days one or two, moving a day three pick for Kupp would make sense. That is the expected return for the soon-to-be 32-year-old wideout and the Rams are also expected to take on some of his salary to help the deal get done, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Moving a day three draft selection as the draft is underway may be the best way to land a solid and reliable complementary pass-catcher to the Saints wideout room. Kupp would also provide a fiery and veteran presence for the locker room. While the Saints are looking to get younger, having Kupp on a one-year rental over what will be a two-year process doesn’t hurt, especially with no guaranteed base salary in 2026. Unlike Garrett, this move would not cost the Saints multiple high draft picks, nor would it be contingent upon a long-term commitment.
If either of these trades makes sense for the Saints, it would be Kupp. But if New Orleans is indeed interested, playing this one with patience and finesse is important.
