The New Orleans Saints have never been a team to shy away from making moves to better the team. The Saints defense is top of the league in several categories. This would indicate that any trade would likely be on the offensive side of the ball, where the Saints have struggled. The offense is missing several contributors due to injury. Behind Alvin Kamara, there is no experienced or dynamic running back. Meanwhile, the current Saints wide receivers might be the worst in the league. The Saints are still at 4-2 on the season though, so now is not the time to unload assets. These are some potential trades that the New Orleans Saints can make before the deadline next week.
Saints Potential Trades Before Deadline
The Saints currently rank 29th in yards per game on offense. Although, they are scoring in the middle of the pack. These stats come without the Saints top receiver, Michael Thomas. Thomas is still ailing from off-season ankle surgery. No timetable has been given for his return either. Secondary offensive weapon Deonte Harris has also missed time recently with a hamstring injury. This has led to the Saints being incredibly thin at receiver. The running back group is also missing Tony Jones Jr, who was the primary change of pace back to Alvin Kamara. The Saints have had difficulty finding someone to carry the ball when Kamara has to come off the field. To remedy these health issues, the Saints need to target some players to bolster the offense.
Running Back Targets
Alvin Kamara will always be the pass-catching running back. After Latavius Murray was released, the Saints have missed a between the tackles runner. One potential back could be Marlon Mack from the Indianapolis Colts. Mack is on a one-year deal with the Colts and will likely not be on the Colts next year. Mack started two years for the Colts before suffering an injury in 2020. Before that, Mack averaged 4.5 yards per carry on 17 attempts per game. It is already rumored that the Colts are fielding calls for Mack already, so the Saints will need to act fast.
The Saints could also call up old friend Joe Lombardi. Lombardi moved on after last season to be the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers have several talents at the running back position behind their superstar Austin Ekeler. Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree III have shown to be a serviceable change of pace running backs. Price tags for each of these running backs would likely not be too high either. Any of these running backs would be better than what the Saints currently have on the roster.
Wide Receiver Targets
One of the potential receivers available could be Allen Robinson. Robinson wanted to leave the Chicago Bears last season but was franchised by the team instead. It is likely that he will try to leave Chicago again after this season. The Bears have been dismal on offense as well, but Robinson would likely jump at the chance to play on a Sean Payton run offense. The price might not be too high for Robinson as well since the Bears know he wants out anyway.
Several other non-superstar players might be available as well. Some of these names could be on teams with depth at the position, causing them to get lost in the mix. Auden Tate from the Cincinnati Bengals comes to mind immediately. Tate is now lost behind Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd for playing time. Denzel Mims from the New York Jets and Tim Patrick from the Denver Broncos are also in similar positions. Mims was drafted by the previous staff with the Jets and has been targeted just six times this season. Patrick is on a one-year deal with the Broncos and could likely find himself elsewhere next season as well. Tate is a 6’5 receiver, Patrick is 6’4, and Mims is 6’3. These are the exact type of possession receivers needed to be a comfort blanket for Jameis Winston for the Saints offense.
Saints Deadline Looms for Trades
In the last game against the Seattle Seahawks, the Saints receivers managed just four catches for the entire game. This is not the kind of production that can win games, especially with the Saints upcoming schedule. In the next six weeks, the Saints face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, and Dallas Cowboys. Four receptions by receivers are not going to cut it against elite offensive talent on the schedule. Without a timetable for Michael Thomas either, the Saints need to look at trades before the upcoming deadline.
