3 players the Saints should deal at the trade deadline

Number One: Marcus Davenport

Marcus Davenport has been regarded as one of the biggest busts in recent New Orleans draft history. He is not considered a bust for any other reason other than the fact that he simply cannot stay healthy and on the field.

Davenport is a big defensive end standing at a staggering 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds.

Given his size, he will likely generate some trade interest this year. Davenport, 24, has been vocal about how much he’s improved this offseason but injuries kept him out of the Saints’ first four games and saw him only play 21 snaps in the fifth game.

Davenport is a solid defensive end opposite of Cameron Jordan when he’s healthy, but Trey Hendrickson has proved the same thing for the Saints this year.

Davenport has put up solid numbers since being the Saints’ first-round draft pick in 2018. His career numbers through 27 games are 53 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 30 quarterback hits, 10.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three passes defended.

Trey Hendrickson has also put up solid numbers in his career, and some of his numbers are a bit more impressive than Davenport’s. Hendrickson has recorded 53 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 28 quarterback hits, 11 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two passes defended through 35 career games.

Hendrickson has always been the backup defensive end until this season where he is shining. Hendrickson’s contract is set to expire after the season and Davenport has one season after this one and could generate some strong offers from needy teams.

The Saints should take what they can get for Davenport and keep Hendrickson for the long haul.