Is it possible that the Saints may make a trade before the deadline?
Will the Saints go shopping before the NFL’s trade deadline on Tuesday? That’s a bit complex, but never say never.
The NFL’s trade deadline is Tuesday afternoon at 3 p.m. CT, which means the Saints and the rest of the 31 other teams will undoubtedly make and field some calls throughout the day. Let’s look at a few factors that could determine whether or not New Orleans would make a move and then eye potential areas and targets where they could improve.
Current Saints Cap Space: $4,244,328
This isn’t usually an issue for the Saints because they always find a way to make things work. They will, however, have to find a method to stay under the salary cap in the upcoming offseason. New Orleans may have to make some adjustments to create way for any prospective acquisitions. They are currently $70 million above budget in terms of planned space.
Draught Capital for the Saints
The Saints currently have numerous draught picks to work with in the upcoming offseason. That is something they may surely use to try to acquire a potential talent. With a shortage of mid-round picks right now, dipping into next year’s cookie jar may not be ideal, but it’s not impossible.
- Round 1
- Round 2 (from Broncos)
- Round 5
- Round 6
- Round 6 (from Eagles)
- Round 7 (from Broncos or Rams)
- Their initial second-round pick is with the Eagles as part of the 2022 trade, while their fourth-round pick is with the Jaguars as part of the Jake Haener trade. Their original seventh-round pick is with the Texans in exchange for Mark Ingram in 2021. Except for the seventh round in 2025, the Saints have picks in all rounds.
In the offseason, New Orleans might acquire three compensatory picks (Kaden Elliss, David Onyemata, and Marcus Davenport). These are expected to be fourth and fifth round picks.
- Where Could the Saints Get Better After the Trade Deadline?
The offensive line and edge rusher positions are likely the most important areas where the Saints might improve right now. There’s a case to be made that they could improve at punter, but that’s not something they’d realistically trade for. New Orleans now has 15 sacks, with Carl Granderson leading the way with 5.5. Demario Davis and Nathan Shepherd (2.0), Bryan Bresee (1.5), Alontae Taylor, Cam Jordan, and Marcus Maye (1.0), and Tanoh Kpassagnon and Pete Werner (0.5) follow him. Payton Turner is still on injured reserve, but he could return before the season ends. - Who Might the Saints Trade Before the Trade Deadline?
There are numerous rumours floating around, but you should be wary about what you believe. Some of them are just false. However, it is just going to get worse before the trade deadline. Jameis Winston is the hottest name in terms of who the Saints could trade right now, but as my colleague Bob Rose noted the other day, the organisation should not move him. Teams will look for a quarterback, but there is also free agency. - Who Might the Saints Trade Before the Trade Deadline?
There are numerous rumours floating around, but you should be wary about what you believe. Some of them are just false. However, it is just going to get worse before the trade deadline. Jameis Winston is the hottest name in terms of who the Saints could trade right now, but as my colleague Bob Rose noted the other day, the organisation should not move him. Teams will look for a quarterback, but there is also free agency. 
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What Targets Should the Saints Go After?
If the Saints are going to swing for the fences and go after a pass rusher, then that looks like Chase Young or Montez Sweat (Commanders), Danielle Hunter (Vikings), or even Carl Lawson (Jets). Veteran Trent Brown (Patriots) would be a sneaky addition for the offensive line to play left tackle if New Orleans wanted to look at that route.
The only other wildcard here is if the Saints would like to look at someone like a Hunter Renfrow (Raiders). Hunter Henry (Patriots) could be another one to watch at the deadline, but it feels like the tight end room is pretty set. Pie in the sky candidates like Brian Burns (Panthers) are also ones to watch, but that contract makes it a little more difficult, plus it would be a trade within the division.
- Overall, the trade deadline comes and goes quickly. It won’t be surprising to see the Saints be quiet here or be in an ‘almost’ position like previous seasons. There’s only a couple of spots where New Orleans could add that could help take them over the top, but in all fairness, the team does feel good about where they are and good with what they have. Never say never, but it could be another uneventful time for Mickey Loomis and company.
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