The NFL’s trade deadline is only days away, set for Tuesday, Nov. 10 following Week 9 of the regular season. After the New Orleans Saints face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, the result of the game could indicate to teams around the league whether or not the Saints may become sellers on the trade market.
If they do, there’s no shortage of players teams may look to call in to inquire about as the deadline approaches.
EDGE Chase Young
Under essentially no circumstances should the Saints pursue a trade involving the star pass rusher and team captain, but that wouldn’t stop teams from asking.
Edge rusher Chase Young has had a resurgence in the black and gold and has been one of the brightest spots all season long.
Young is under contract for the 2027 season and is working his way to landing a big extension with the team, or at least a franchise tag in 2028 if he keeps performing at the level he’s achieved since arriving in the Big Easy. The defensive leader is currently tied for No. 3 in the NFL in sacks with seven.
The price tag for Young should be so high (as there is at least a price for everything) that inquiring teams either balk, or are willing to give a king’s ransom in return. In either case, the resulting factor is more likely than not that teams ask about Young but are deterred by New Orleans’ interest in trying to keep him.
WR Devaughn Vele
The Saints acquired wideout Devaughn Vele from the Denver Broncos in exchange for fourth- and seven-round draft picks ahead of the 2025 season. Getting a return around that same value would be preferable should the team decide to move the wideout. Again, it’s an unlikely outcome.
Vele is the team’s second-leading receiver with 348 receiving yards and is in the penultimate year of his rookie deal.
Yes, rookie wideout Jordyn Tyson is in line to make his debut soon, adding to the receiver room led by star pass-catcher Chris Olave, but Vele has been a strong contributor and having three solid options at receiver is, without question, better than having two.
S Justin Reid
Perhaps one of the most sensible options for New Orleans both because of the team’s depth at the position and the value another team might be willing to leverage, veteran safety Justin Reid has fallen out of favor with many fans, but is a true asset for any NFL team looking for leadership, experience and a championship standard.
In order to successfully trade a player, the player on the move must bring value to the acquiring team. Reid would do exactly that.
His fit in defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s defense has been questionable, but landing in another system could make this a win-win for Reid and the Saints. As so does keeping him around. The Saints simply have the flexibility at the position thanks to the room’s depth. With young defenders Jordan Howden and Jonas Sanker, the Saints would have options to address how they could absorb the loss.
The move only makes sense, however, if the return is right. Reid doesn’t have guaranteed money in his base salary next season, making a split possible after the year anyway, getting something in return rather than losing him with no capital gain.
RB Kendre Miller
Already the subject of trade rumors alongside Reid, running back Kendre Miller is another player that could garner interest. The Saints are still awaiting the return of star back Travis Etienne Jr. and recently brought back Audric Estime to bolster the position.
Behind Etienne, Miller has been the most consistent rusher in terms of yards per game (26.5). He is also tied for the most rushing touchdowns (two) on the roster with veteran back Alvin Kamara and quarterback Tyler Shough.
Neither is an insurmountable loss for a good rushing team, but the Saints are not yet that. This one could get interesting if the team expects to get Etienne back in the next couple of weeks if a team were to show interest in Miller.
RG Cesar Ruiz
There was already trade buzz around offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz over the offseason, but nothing materialized. This season, Ruiz has proven to be an excellent pass blocker, though still struggling a bit in the run game.
Ruiz is tied for allowing the fewest pressures (four) among all NFL guards that have taken at least 261 pass-blocking snaps so far this season.
If a team is thin on the offensive line, or is looking to improve its pass blocking down the stretch, the 2020 first-round pick could garner interest. The Saints do have fourth-round rookie Jeremiah Wright to turn to, but his development is still well underway.
