JACKSON: It’s time for the Saints to become sellers

By Ross Jackson

It’s time for the New Orleans Saints to consider themselves sellers. Not the type of sellers that move depth players for day three trade assets, but the type that move big names to teams that feel they are a player away from a deep playoff run in exchange for premium draft capital. 

The Saints aren’t close to being a competitive team in 2025. With just five draft selections currently held in the 2026 season and a still-prohibitive salary cap situation for at least another year, the team doesn’t currently have the resources necessary to improve its standing next year either. 

That is among the reasons that New Orleans must seriously consider trading players and stockpiling draft picks, even if it hurts. 

It’s clear that the roster Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and the Saints have pieced together isn’t good enough. The team lacks identity and direction, which is a frustrating reality for a team that has worked so hard to stubbornly try to extend its streak as a contender. The streak realistically ended years ago, but the pursuit lasted much longer than it should have. 

Wide receivers like Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and Brandin Cooks have been involved in their fair share of rumors as Tuesday afternoon’s trade deadline nears. As have defensive names like cornerback Alontae Taylor, linebacker Pete Werner and defensive end Carl Granderson. Even names on a struggling offensive line like Cesar Ruiz and Dillon Radunz have found their way into mentions by various insiders. 

No matter the name, the Saints should not be precious about their limited tradeable assets. Missing an opportunity to improve down the road would be a massive miss by the Saints’ front office. 

Just about every player should have a price. Teams should be calling and the Saints should not only be answering, but actively looking to deal. 

New Orleans is not on a promising trajectory, and working hard to maintain its current pieces will only maintain the team’s underwhelming path. 

It’s time for the Saints to make the moves that hurt now in order to increase the opportunity to help themselves improve in the future. Otherwise, the team’s rudderless start won’t see an end any time soon.