New Orleans Saints trade deadline decision, Digi Mart USA News: Other than trading Davon Godchaux to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 2028 sixth-round pick that could become a 2027 sixth-round pick under certain circumstances, the New Orleans Saints were inactive at the trade deadline. There was a conversation about whether the Saints should be buyers or sellers, and the team made the correct decision to be neither.
Dealing Godchaux was a small move, and the compensation reflected that. When considering how the Saints should operate at the deadline, attention turned to bigger names such as Cesar Ruiz and Pete Werner, as well as players who could bring real value but would be difficult to part with, such as Carl Granderson and Chase Young.
The Saints also could have tried to bolster their roster with a defensive player. That would not have needed to be a major acquisition, but the team has several positions of need on that side of the ball after largely ignoring the defense for most of the offseason.
The argument for each approach is simple and can be compelling, but that is exactly why the Saints were wise not to make a move. The Saints are not close to being real competitors, so they could sell some pieces to build for the future.
The open question is how far that approach should go.
Would it be a complete teardown in which they sell players like Young and Granderson to get the highest return? Is everyone available except Tyler Shough and players on rookie contracts?
That feels somewhat extreme. The team is not a true contender, but it does not feel so far removed from contention that everything should be ripped apart two years into Shough’s career.
The Saints are also within range of a divisional title, which could be a frustrating outcome for many when the offseason arrives. That position could have prompted a more aggressive move for a player who might have helped them overcome the NFC South this year.
The Saints are too close to a playoff spot to sell everything, but too far from true contention to sell out for a move that would push them over the top. It is an unusual position of limbo, so staying put was the wisest choice.
They could have moved a player such as Pete Werner because they have Danny Stutsman, but that was the only kind of move that would have made sense. Given how narrow that option was, it makes sense why the team opted not to do anything at all.
Players such as Werner, Ruiz and Justin Reid are under contract for next year, so they could still be traded this offseason.
