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It’s been a tough stretch for the New Orleans Saints as Sunday’s loss in Los Angeles makes it six in a row. At this point, it’s hard to see why New Orleans shouldn’t pack it in and start to rebuild for the future, which could make next week’s matchup with Carolina “interesting” as the teams fight for last place in the division.
Add Now: Trade EDGE Chase Young
While the Saints have pushed off a rebuild over the last few years, it feels like that time is finally about to come as the team wasn’t able to capitalize on a hot start to begin the season. So, the club should start to look ahead to next year and deal Young, who was listed No. 7 overall on BR’s NFL Trade Block Big Board column this week.
“If New Orleans begins rebuilding in 2025, it may have to do so with budget contracts and rookie deals. The Saints are projected to be $97.6 million over the cap next offseason,” B/R’s Kristopher Knox wrote.
“Trading pass-rusher Chase Young, who is on a one-year, $13 million deal, would provide no 2025 cap relief. However, it would net the Saints some valuable draft capital. Young has tallied 1.5 sacks and 13 quarterback pressures in seven games this season.”
2025 Free Agency: EDGE Joseph Ossai, Cincinnati Bengals
As mentioned above, New Orleans is projected to be up against the cap this offseason and will need to rework the roster with young, cheap talent.
Especially since it’s unlikely that Young will return next year, the defense will need some help on the edge with Payton Turner and Tanoh Kpassagnon about to hit free agency as well. Plus, Cameron Jordan, who turns 36 in July, could be a post-June 1 cut to save $11 million, per Over The Cap.
While Ossai hasn’t done much so far in his career, that could help keep his price tag down he’ll be just 25 in April. Also, the 2021 third-round pick has been playing behind Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson his entire career and has always had plenty of talent. The former Longhorn could blossom with a bigger opportunity in The Big Easy.
2025 NFL Draft: S Malaki Starks, Georgia
The Saints could use some safety help and Tyrann Mathieu could be another cap casualty this offseason. A post-June 1 cut would save the club $6.25 million according to OTC. So, Mickey Loomis will want to take a look at the Georiga product who currently ranks as the fourth-best prospect on B/R’s NFL Draft Big Board.
“Starks projects as a first-round pick with the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL,” defensive backs scout Cory Giddings wrote in the Bulldog’s scouting report. “His combination of athleticism, ball skills, and physicality make him a versatile safety capable of excelling in both coverage and run support.
“While he may need to refine his technique against faster receivers, Starks’ overall skill set and football IQ give him a high ceiling as a defensive playmaker. With the ability to contribute from day one, Starks is poised to become a key player in any NFL secondary, offering the potential to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber safety.”
