The New Orleans Saints fired former head coach Dennis Allen just one day before the 2024 NFL trade deadline. Prior to Week 9’s loss to the Carolina Panthers, Allen insisted that the team would not sell and could right the ship after a seemingly endless stream of injuries led to a six-game losing streak. However, the Panthers loss was the straw that broke the camel’s back, as Allen is gone and the 2-7 Saints stand no chance at the playoffs.
With no head coach and no long-term answer at quarterback, New Orleans could finally embrace their long-overdue rebuild. The Saints mortgaged the future during the final years of the Drew Brees Era but continued that strategy long after the future Hall of Famer hung up his cleats. Now set to endure a season or two of salary cap hell, the Saints could unload veterans like cornerback Marshon Lattimore and edge defender Chase Young to ease the financial burden on this team.
Saints Could Trade Marshon Lattimore, Chase Young At Trade Deadline
Reports from late last week indicated that the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs were discussing the rough framework of a Marshon Lattimore trade. While General Manager Mickey Loomis said he won’t sell any of his veterans for pennies on the dollar, he might change his tune following the loss to Bryce Young and company. Marshon Lattimore trade rumors date back to the offseason, and the Saints restructured his contract to make it easier to deal him at the trade deadline. Assuming he’s healthy, the four-time Pro Bowler would be an ideal fit for the Kansas City Chiefs.
With Jaylen Watson done for the season, the undefeated Chiefs must find someone capable of lining up opposite Trent McDuffie. Marshon Lattimore might have lost a step, but he’s still a reliable starter when on the field. The biggest problem in recent years has been keeping him healthy, as he’s currently battling a hamstring injury and has only played in 24 games since the start of the 2022 season. Given the uncertainty surrounding his long-term health, the Chiefs could agree to send the Saints a conditional fourth-round pick that could become a third-round selection if Lattimore reaches certain playtime incentives.
More Pass Rush Help
The Baltimore Ravens have a historically good offense, as Lamar Jackson is playing like an MVP while Derrick Henry is the easy favorite for Defensive Player of the Year. However, championships cannot be won without help from both sides of the ball, and the defense is not holding up their end of the bargain. After Week 9 (pending Monday Night Football), the Ravens rank 23rd in pass defense DVOA. Jackson and Henry can overcome poor defenses when facing subpar teams, but can these two singlehandedly take down elite rosters like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills in the playoffs?
The Baltimore Ravens are now the 3rd best offense measured by DVOA through 9 games.
The Lions passed them as the best run game this week, but the pass game is stellar.
Unfortunately, the Ravens rank 23rd in pass defense. #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/7iVjykWjFy
— Aaron Schatz 🏈 (@ASchatzNFL) November 4, 2024
Only time will tell for sure, but the best way to improve their odds of winning it all is to trade for a pass rusher. Kyle Van Noy and former first-round pick Odafe Oweh have played well this year, but this team misses Jadeveon Clowney. Chase Young will never live up to his billing as an elite prospect, but the former second-overall pick should excel as the third edge defender on this talented roster. Seeing as he’s on a one-year deal and New Orleans can’t afford to re-sign him, the Saints should trade him at the deadline for whatever they can get.
Main Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea – USA Today Sports
