Saints DT Malcolm Brown potentially available via trade

The Saints have reportedly engaged with multiple teams about a trade for DT Malcolm Brown.

The former University of Texas defensive lineman is in the last year of a three-year, $15 million dollar contract he signed in 2019. This move would likely be strictly to free up additional cap space for the New Orleans Saints.

Brown being traded or released would save New Orleans approximately $5 million in cap space this year.

Brown did show a slight dip in production for the Saints in 2020, notching 27 combined tackles,1 sack, 2 quarterback hits, and no turnovers. It is important to note that he only appeared in 13 games for New Orleans in 2020 compared to a full 16 in 2019.

In a best-case scenario for the Saints, they get a solid offer and move Brown while recouping some value for him.

Brown is a great depth piece for the Saints defense however, with the cap situation New Orleans finds themselves in they will not have the luxury of keeping experienced veteran depth players around as often as they may like.

Brown’s value is probably around a late-round draft pick to a mid-rounder at very best. It is unlikely the Saints would turn down a semi-competitive offer for Browns services based on the current cap situation.

The 320 lb. Brown excels more as a run-stuffer where he is more successful when lined up as a true nose tackle directly over the center.

There should be decent interest in Brown, he is only 27 years old and a very viable depth piece or spot starter for a team in need of run support assistance. The Saints will do their best to avoid releasing a talented veteran like Brown without being compensated in the form of draft capital.

Brown was acquired in 2019 after a four-year stint with the New England Patriots. Brown was drafted 32nd overall by New England in 2015. He won two Super Bowls while a member of the Patriots.