Bleacher Report argues Saints should make a massive trade with a division rival

The New Orleans Saints will spend the offseason attempting to address their cap issues while also improving their roster. It’s difficult to do both things at the same time, but given that the Saints were one win away from winning the NFC South despite having a disappointing season, they should be motivated to get over the hump by any means necessary.

Those means could include conducting business with the enemy. Bleacher Report has recently published an offseason trade guide for all 32 teams. The guide included trade candidates, trade targets for each team, and a hypothetical trade. The BR staff made the bold suggestion that the Saints trade their 2024 first-round pick (14th overall) to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a 2024 and 2025 third-round pick, cornerback Jaycee Horn, and a second-round pick (No. 33).

Should the Saints trade their first-round pick to the Panthers?
As Bleacher Report noted, deals with division rivals are uncommon. However, desperate times necessitate drastic measures. Carolina desperately needs a first-round pick in this year’s draft, so it’s reasonable to assume that it’ll be open to doing business. The question is whether this is something New Orleans should consider.

At 14, the Saints are not in a position to select the best quarterbacks or offensive linemen in the draft. They could still land an elite prospect at 14, but trading back is definitely worth considering, especially if they can get a second-round pick, two third-round picks, and Jaycee Horn.

Horn was the eighth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and he is an extremely talented cornerback. Unfortunately, he has suffered from injuries throughout his young NFL career. In three seasons, he has missed a significant amount of time due to a fractured foot, a broken wrist, and a hamstring injury. After appearing in 20 games over three seasons, his future is uncertain.

Even with so many early picks, New Orleans should call.

The New Orleans Saints face significant challenges this offseason.

Not only did this team miss the playoffs, but they entered the offseason with the worst financial situation in the NFL. The Saints are dead last in 2024 cap space, with $83.6 million over the cap heading into the offseason.

You read that correctly, and it will be extremely difficult for the team not only to stay under the cap but also to make significant roster additions.