Trading Day: Will the Saints Make a Move?

Saints have few needs, but the most pressing are at Wide Receiver and Tight End.

Saints Trading Day in the NFL?  Doubtful, but necessary for the New Orleans Saints.  Today is the final day NFL playoff contenders can to transact a trade and improve their rosters as they race down the final stretch of the season.  It is also a day a flailing team can stockpile future draft picks in the 2020 NFL draft.   Monday afternoon on Ryan Asselta’s Sport’s Illustrated show, I stated my belief the New Orleans Saints need help in three areas, wide receiver, tight end, and defensive backfield.

Miami's WR - DeVante Parker,Photo Credit-Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

The problem for Loomis, Payton, and the organization is to what players exist on a non-competitive that can make an immediate impact for the Saints.  More important questions are if the Saints have the collateral to make a trade with either a future draft pick or by exchanging a current player on their roster.  Saints News Network’s writer, Barry Hirstius, documented in his article  “5 WR’s Saints Could Target at NFL Trade Deadline”, where the Jets’ Robby Anderson and Dolphins Devante Parker could make sense because their respective teams’ disappointing records, but will it make sense for New Orleans?   Many have targeted the Bengals A. J. Green as a landing spot for the Saints.   I believe any deal for Green will come at a high price tag.  Do Loomis and Payton want to go “all in” and get someone of Green’s caliber.  Green would be a great complement to WR Michael Thomas, but what will happen with Ted Ginn?  Will he be a part of a package in a deal?  What about Tre’Quan Smith?  Smith has a lingering ankle injury, but can he be enticing enough for the Bengals or Jets along with future draft choices?

Tampa Bay's O.J. Howard, Photo Credit - Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

Would they be willing to get a new tight end at a smaller price tag?  The Saints are holding their cards with Cook, Hill, and Arnold at the tight end position.   Rumors exist with Tampa Bay’s O. J. Howard being on the trading block?  It is unlikely the Buccaneers would be interested in trading him to their NFC South foe.  This past Sunday, Arizona’s Charles Clay displayed his ability against the Saints.  Tyler Eifert, Bengals tight end, is another name in the rumor mill.  Would they be willing to get a new tight end at a smaller price tag?

Current notable Saints players with potential trading collateral are:  C/G-Nick Easton, WR-Tre’Quan Smith, WR-Ted Ginn, G-Will Clapp, TE-Dan Arnold, DE-Mario Edwards, Jr., CB-P. J. Williams.   Ginn, Edwards, and Williams will be difficult decisions for the team.   All are solid veterans with value to the team and can be a serviceable player for a trade partner.

What your thoughts about the Saints probability of making a trade on today?  Let us hear your opinions.

12:30 PM CST UPDATE - Saints plan to release CB Ken Crawley

Releasing Crawley could open approximately $2 million in cap space for the Saints