The NFL trade deadline is coming in hot, and the New Orleans Saints are in a precarious position atop the NFC South. However, the team should avoid making moves to add players, and in total honesty, if the Saints do anything at the deadline, it should be selling. They've already started with Davon Godchaux, and it shouldn't be the last.
The Saints are currently tied for first place in the division with the Carolina Panthers, who are also 3-5 heading into week 10. They're still in the middle of rebuilding, so trading away draft capital at this point wouldn't be the smartest move.
The Saints being in a rebuild isn't breaking news, and it's why they should be thorough when fielding calls. They don't want to risk hurting the locker room if they don't have to, but if a team makes them a good enough offer, they can't turn it down. They have players other teams would love to have, so guys all across the board are sure to be called about.
Whatever happens at the deadline, the Saints should keep their draft picks
The New Orleans roster is full of players that could contribute to playoff-caliber teams. It has two eventual Hall of Famers (Alvin Kamara and Cam Jordan), two edge rushers who are top five in sacks (Chase Young and Carl Granderson) and a proven WR2 (Devaughn Vele) that are sure to be enticing to other teams in need. What makes it even better is that if contenders call the Saints for one of their players, it gives them leverage.
But the Saints should only sell players if the price is right. Nothing less than a fifth-round pick should be on the table for any of their assets, especially if some are among the best in the NFL at their position. They're in a rebuild, and a team that has had some major misses in the draft recently could use as many picks as possible.
Players like Chase Young (who has eight sacks) and Carl Granderson (who has 7.5) will get you the best return. They shouldn't be traded for anything less than a day two pick, and anything else would be a fleece by the other team. It'll be hard to part with players of their quality, but sometimes money talks.
However, the floor for a receiver like Devaughn Vele shouldn't be sold for anything less than a fifth round pick. He's been a solid contributor as the Saints' second leading receiver, but his opportunities to play will be shrinking now due to the return of Jordyn Tyson.
If the Saints make any moves before the deadline, it shouldn't be anything that involves giving away draft picks. They need as much capital as possible to keep this rebuild on the up and up. So after 3:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday, New Orleans should still have at least six draft picks, if not more.
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