If we know just one thing about the New Orleans Saints, it’s that you should never take your eyes off of them. And after Monday, the focus should become even more narrow—especially for the Carolina Panthers.
In a blockbuster barter for high-stakes draft currency, the Saints and the Philadelphia Eagles mixed it up in an intriguing, but messy swap. So instead of trying to put all of it in a sentence and confusing the heck out of you, we’ll chart it out for you like this …
New Orleans receives:
- 2022 first-round pick (No. 16 overall)
- 2022 first-round pick (No. 19 overall)
- 2022 sixth-round pick (No. 194 overall)
Philadelphia receives:
- 2022 first-round pick (No. 18 overall)
- 2022 third-round pick (No. 101 overall)
- 2022 seventh-round pick (No. 237 overall)
- 2023 first-round pick
- 2024 second-round pick
*wipes sweat from brow*
Now, are the Saints up to no good?
While Philadelphia’s intentions seem a bit obvious—as they’re likely positioning themselves to make a run at a top quarterback prospect in the loaded 2023 class—New Orleans’ aren’t as clear. The first thought, of course, goes right to this quarterback class.
Although they have re-signed Jameis Winston, the Saints—like the Panthers—don’t have a solidified answer under center for the long haul. So will they then flip those 16th and 19th picks to perhaps jump the passer-needy Panthers and Atlanta Falcons into the draft’s top five?
If so, it’d likely be for Malik Willis. Despite what’ll probably be a redshirt campaign for the Liberty University product in 2022, Willis’ upside may be much too tantalizing to let wonder away—particularly to a division rival.
Or are the Saints trying to jump the Panthers for one of the three top offensive linemen? With their longtime starting left tackle Terron Armstead now gone to Miami, New Orleans probably wouldn’t mind swiping up the likes of Evan Neal, Ikem Ekwonu or Charles Cross.
Or, with the franchise continuing to kick that salary cap can down the road, is this just a low-key move? Are the Saints just trying to fill out their roster with younger, cheaper additions in the first round to keep their money somewhat in check?
Whatever it really is, New Orleans often seems one step ahead of much of the field. And this latest maneuver might push them one step ahead of Carolina come April 28.
