The New England Patriots have agreed to a trade that will send defensive tackle Davon Godchaux to the New Orleans Saints. In exchange, the Patriots receive a 2026 seventh-round pick for the former $18 million lineman. Godchaux, a former fifth-round pick, spent the past four seasons in New England but previously played for the Miami Dolphins.
Trade: the New England Patriots have agreed to send DT Davon Godchaux to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick, sources tell ESPN. Godchaux attended high school in Plaquemine, La., before playing at LSU. He now returns to Louisiana once the trade can be… pic.twitter.com/cn4Kfqv1sG
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2025
Breaking: Saints, Patriots Agree to Davon Godchaux Trade
The 2024 season was one to forget for the New England Patriots, and Davon Godchaux was part of the underwhelming campaign. Starting and appearing in 17 games, the defensive tackle finished his season with 67 tackles, one tackle-for-loss, one quarterback hit, and a 51.6 PFF grade, the 85th-best mark out of 118 eligible players. Set to carry an $8.33 million cap hit, the Patriots save $1.67 million by sending him to the New Orleans Saints.
Godchaux remains under contract for the next two seasons, although New Orleans could easily move on if he doesn’t improve in 2025. The defensive tackle has no guaranteed money beyond this season and it’s highly unlikely he plays next year with his $11.83 million cap hit. If he works out, the Saints could extend or restructure the deal. If not, they can release him with minimal financial repercussions.
The Davon Godchaux trade reinforces an interior defensive line that needs more reliable playmakers. 2023 first-round pick Bryan Bresee is an adequate pass rusher, but he’s an active liability against the run. Fellow defensive tackles Khalen Saunders and Nathan Shepherd, meanwhile, finished the 2024 season as two of the lowest-rated defensive tackles in football, per PFF. Godchaux may not be the player he once was, but he should compete for playing time on this defense.
Since entering the league, Davon Godchaux has played in 120 games while making 109 starts. While on the field, the defensive tackle has recorded 5.5 sacks, 429 tackles, 20 tackles-for-loss, and 26 quarterback hits.
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