The New Orleans Saints have been one of the more ebb-and-flow teams of the 2023 season.
One week, they’re on a high, but the following week, they dip. They were losers of two straight games and sitting at 3-4 overall, but that was before they rebounded on the road Sunday in the 38-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts. But, through the ebbs and flows, is there growing chatter of roster changes ahead of the NFL’s trade deadline?
Already, cornerback Bradley Roby was cut after being the subject of trade rumors. There’s the looming possibility of All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas being moved, with uncle and Fox Sports 1 personality Keyshawn Johnson adding kerosene to that growing fire.
But for a team looking to break out of its current roller coaster and stay in the playoff race, who could the Saints look into between now and Halloween?
New Orleans Saints Trade Deadline Moves
Even after the Roby decision, the Saints still have just $4,931,094 in cap space for 2023.
Perhaps, if the Saints do deal away Thomas, they’ll be able to give themselves more cap flexibility as Thomas has a base salary of $1,260,000.
MORE: New Orleans Saints Depth Chart
But that’s not all. Free safety Marcus Maye ($1,080,000 base salary) and defensive tackle Malcolm Roach ($1,010,000) are other potential trade possibilities with their deals soon up.
What the Saints intend to do remains to be seen. But for a team that has playoff aspirations, these possible trade moves have the best potential to address their current weaknesses.
Patrick Surtain II, CB, Denver Broncos
Here’s a stirring idea: Thomas gets dealt to the Denver Broncos, and in exchange, the Saints get needed cornerback help ahead of the deadline.
Former Saints head coach Sean Payton gets his prized wideout while sending off a Pro Bowl corner in Surtain.
While the Saints have Marshon Lattimore as the established cornerback, he needs help badly. New Orleans still has names like Jordan Addison, Drake London, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and the Los Angeles Rams’ duo of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua looming.
Surtain II will be in high demand between now and Halloween. Surprisingly, even with his early accolades, Surtain wouldn’t be considered a bank buster. His base salary is at $940,000 in 2023 and will only surpass $1 million in 2024. Even with allowing the eighth-fewest passing yards, the Saints can still use the help for Lattimore; Surtain is a perfect fit.
Josey Jewell, LB, Denver Broncos
Maybe a Broncos fire sale to the Saints could be a possibility, given the aforementioned prominent Saints ties in the Rocky Mountains.
Josey Jewell’s name surfaces amid Saints linebacker Zack Baun being a possible trade candidate. Baun hasn’t found his way into the starting lineup consistently and only has 12 tackles. Although, he did deliver three solo stops vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Oct. 1. He’s still in the final year of his contract.
MORE: NFC South Trade Candidates
Meanwhile, Jewell has had the more productive 2023 by trailing Alex Singleton in total tackles. But he’s in the last year of his current deal that pays him $11 million for two years.
Jewell’s name has been mentioned as a trade candidate for the Buffalo Bills by PFN. He’d form a needed strong trio with Demario Davis and Pete Werner.
Denico Autry, DL, Tennessee Titans
Now, on to the non-Bronco who could be on the move. New Orleans can solidify a stout defensive line and provide an extra push.
The Saints are already high on rookie Bryan Bresee after witnessing some splash plays from him. Roach, despite his name being mentioned as a trade possibility, has provided solid moments when needed.
But it’s still a relative up-and-down unit that needs pass-rush help. Autry, with his experience and versatility to play on the edge, can give that needed jolt opposite of sack leader Carl Granderson, who leads with just 4.5 sacks.
And at 33, Autry is another who can be up for a cheaper deal at this stage of his career while igniting the pass rush. He’s produced nine and eight sacks in his last two seasons in Nashville and has four thus far this year.
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