Saints trade targets:
Danielle Hunter, Vikings (DE)
One thing the Saints can agree on is that they desperately need a dominant pass rusher on defense. Defensive end Danielle Hunter has been a name that has floated around for the Saints to trade for potentially. Having Cameron Jordan do all the work makes things tough when it comes to him trying to play different roles on different plays when he’s only aiming for the quarterback.
Vikings DE Danielle Hunter (99) – Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
Adding Hunter is definitely an upgrade and having someone as durable as him opposite of Jordan can definitely wreak havoc for opposing defenses and especially quarterbacks. Hunter recorded 46 tackles, 10.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and no interceptions in 2022 with the Vikings, the team that drafted him seven years prior.
Courtland Sutton (WR)
This is definitely a trade that would surprise a lot of people. With Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed, it may be a bit of a head scratcher as to why the Saints could look into trading for another elite receiver. Looking at the bigger picture though, adding Sutton could make sense of a non-player trade that occurred earlier this season: head coach Sean Payton.
Broncos WR Courtland Sutton (14) – Ron Chenoy/USA Today Sports
When the Saints traded Payton to Denver, the Saints also traded away their 29th pick in this years draft, followed by a second round pick and a third round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Once Coach Payton began finding his footing in the Mile High City, some Saints players decided to head to Denver as well. For example, Marquez Callaway signed with the Broncos on a 1 year, $1.135 million deal in March. About a month later on draft day, tight end Adam Trautman was traded to the Broncos, along with the 257th pick in exchange for pick 195. Trautman had requested a trade due to his feel of lack of production from the Saints coaching staff.
Speaking of the coaching staff, some of them even made their way to Denver. One key coach is Zach Strief, who will be the offensive line coach. Strief guarded Drew Brees for the majority of his career and won Super Bowl XLIV as well. Right behind him is Broncos new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and six other coaches. Adding Courtland Sutton could be the Saints way of getting back at the Broncos.
Chase Young, Commanders (DE)
BOOM! Another potential #99 to make the Saints’ defense a nightmare. Exclude the injuries Young has suffered throughout his career and you’d have one of the best defensive ends in the league right next to Aaron Donald, Cameron Jordan, Von Miller, etc. If they are able to pull off a trade package for Young, this might be all they need to successfully retool their defensive line and guarantee a playoff spot.
Commanders DE Chase Young (99) – Sergio Estrada/ USA Today-Sports
Cameron Jordan on one side and a healthy Chase Young on the other is an absolute dream. The team can revive his career if they choose to go down this path. It’ll be a risky trade but if they can find a way to plug him into the defense, solidify the defensive line and keep him healthy, it’ll all be worth it in the end. Young finished 2022 with only three tackles.
