Saints Trade Buzz Intensifies with Olave and Shaheed as Key Targets
The New Orleans Saints find themselves in a precarious position as the trade deadline approaches. With a disappointing 1-6 record, the team is facing the reality of a lost season, prompting speculation about potential moves that could reshape their roster.
Struggling Season Leads to Trade Considerations
The Saints entered the 2024 season with tempered expectations, especially following the retirement of veteran quarterback Derek Carr. This left Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough to shoulder the quarterback responsibilities, with Rattler stepping into the starting role. While he has shown flashes of competence, the team’s overall performance has been lackluster, placing them firmly among the league’s worst.
Given their current trajectory, the Saints may pivot to a seller’s mindset as the trade deadline looms. Embracing a proactive approach could facilitate a significant rebuild, allowing the Saints to acquire valuable draft picks and alleviate their salary cap constraints.
Emerging Trade Chips: Shaheed and Olave
Recent reports indicate that two of the Saints’ standout wide receivers, Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave, are drawing interest from contending teams. Olave, who remains under contract for another year following the exercise of his fifth-year option, has been a consistent playmaker for the Saints. In contrast, Shaheed’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, placing him in a more precarious position.
Trading Olave might not be the ideal route for New Orleans. The young receiver has openly expressed a desire for a contract extension, a sentiment the team has reciprocated. Unless negotiations hit a snag or an irresistible offer surfaces from a playoff contender, Olave is likely to stay put.
On the other hand, Shaheed presents a different scenario. With the Saints unlikely to extend his contract beyond this season, trading him could yield some return, even if it’s a mid-round pick. The organization faces a choice: either risk losing Shaheed for nothing or capitalize on his value now.
Looking Ahead
As the trade deadline approaches, the Saints must weigh their options carefully. Selling key assets like Shaheed could provide the necessary resources to kickstart their rebuild. However, holding onto Olave may prove beneficial if they can secure a long-term deal. The next few weeks will be critical for the Saints as they navigate these pivotal decisions, aiming to reshape their future while addressing their current struggles.
