The New Orleans Saints chose to stay on the sidelines during the NFL trade deadline, neither actively seeking nor offloading players. While there may have been inquiries from other teams and possibly some discussions initiated by the Saints, the decision to remain inactive was not unexpected.
Despite their 4-4 record, the Saints, a talented team, didn’t show an inclination for a major trade, whether on offense or defense. Their current standing doesn’t suggest a lack of talent in most areas, making the pursuit of additional skills less urgent.
Recent contract extensions for Carl Granderson and Cameron Jordan ruled out prominent edge rushers from trade talks. Addressing the interior defensive line is likely reserved for the offseason. While the offensive line could have been an area to explore, the Saints probably wouldn’t have pursued a high-profile player, given their settled starting lineup.
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The limited number of movable pieces also played a role. Despite their overall talent, the Saints lack depth, making potential trades more challenging. Speculation surrounded Jameis Winston as a potential trade asset, but the Saints retained their backup quarterback, recognizing his proximity to becoming a starter due to injuries.
Ultimately, making a trade merely for the sake of it wouldn’t have significantly altered expectations. The Saints have confidence in their current roster, as evidenced by recent successes, such as the win over the Indianapolis Colts. Improving execution and capitalizing on a favorable schedule might be more impactful than any trade they could have made at the deadline.
