Could the Saints Make a Trade Before the Deadline?

Will the Saints be shoppers before the NFL's trade deadline hits on Tuesday afternoon? Well, that's complicated, 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 typically an issue that would hinder the Saints, as they always find a way to make things work. However, they're going into another offseason where they're going to have to find a way to get under the salary cap. New Orleans could do some finagling to make room for any potential player they would look to acquire. As of now, they're roughly $70 million over in projected space.

Saints Draft Capital

The Saints currently have several picks to work with going into next offseason. That's certainly something they could use to try to acquire a potential player. Dipping into next year's cookie jar might not be completely ideal with a lack of mid-round picks right now, 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 original 2nd Round pick belongs to the Eagles as part of 2022 trade with the Eagles, while the 4th Round pick is with the Jaguars as part of the Jake Haener trade. Their original 7th Round pick is with the Texans for acquiring Mark Ingram in 2021. In 2025, the Saints have their picks in all rounds except for the 7th.

New Orleans could pick up three compensatory picks in the offseason (Kaden Elliss, David Onyemata, Marcus Davenport). Those are projected to be 4th and 5th Round picks

Where Could the Saints Improve From the Trade Deadline?

The biggest areas the Saints could get better at right now would probably be on the offensive line and edge rusher spots. There's probably an argument to be made that they could get better at punter, but that's not something to realistically trade for. New Orleans has 15 sacks right now as a team, with Carl Granderson leading the way with 5.5. Behind him leaves a little to the imagination with 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). Payton Turner is still on injured reserve, and could return towards the end of the season.

Who Could the Saints Move at the Trade Deadline?

There's plenty of rumors out there, but in the same breath, you should be cautious in what you actually believe. Some of them simply aren't true. However, it's only going to escalate ahead of the trade deadline. Jameis Winston is the hottest name right now in terms of who could be traded from the Saints, but as my colleague Bob Rose wrote the other day, the team shouldn't deal him. Teams are going to look for a quarterback, but free agency also exists.

One name that could be interesting to watch is Marcus Maye. We're not saying he should be traded, but you're seeing a lot of confidence in rookie Jordan Howden. Lonnie Johnson can also step in to be the extra dime back, but that's what Howden is at the absolute worst case. Maye's contract was restructured back in February, so the Saints are going to owe him some money after 2024. He carries a $9.9 million cap hit going into next season. If there's a position the Saints have a lot of depth at, it's in the secondary.

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.