After already shipping one player away, the New Orleans Saints are positioned to continue being active as the NFL’s trade deadline approaches at 4 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday.
On Monday, following the team’s victory over the Cleveland Browns, the Saints traded defensive tackle Davon Godchaux to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a sixth-round selection in either 2027 (if the Jaguars obtain one) or 2028.
Next, as New Orleans prepares to host the Carolina Panthers for the top of the NFC South, the Saints could look to make more moves. All of a sudden, the club isn’t limited to trading away players to gather assets but could also potentially pursue a player to help them improve defensively with the hopes of making a run in a very winnable situation in the NFC South.
However the Saints look to go about the deadline, trading off major assets, like early draft picks, may not be in their best interest. But if there are moves to be made that could help solidify the defensive line or add more competition in the secondary in exchange for Day 3 picks, New Orleans could be justified in making a move or two to acquire talent rather than resources.
Otherwise, trading away players whose contributions have begun to scale back, as was the situation with Godchaux, in order to take advantage of their trade value would be well within reason.
Safety Justin Reid has continuously been brought up as a potential trade asset that could garner interest across the league with an accelerated trade market for experienced safety help. Although leadership has been a quality they’ve coveted over recent years, the Saints could potentially turn to young safety Jordan Howden for the right offer. He’s received snaps in place of both Reid and Julian Blackmon against the Browns.
New Orleans wasn’t expected to be active near the trade deadline, but with their belief that the season can be salvaged after a disappointing start, it will be interesting to follow. Will the temptation to improve rapidly prevail, or will the Saints decide that gathering more assets is of greater value as they continue to rebuild for the future?
