The NFL trade market has been very active so far this week with quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Carson Wentz as well as as edge rusher Khalil Mack all changing teams. Early in the offseason, experts believed that the New Orleans Saints would be active pursuing a quarterback via trade but that has yet to materialize. However, the Saints could look to make a trade at a different position ahead of free agency to help to protect their next signal caller and in doing so could bring former LSU Tiger La’el Collins back to Louisiana. Collins is the subject of active trade talks in Dallas.
Perhaps that’s not the New Orleans-Dallas Cowboys trade many expected with Sean Payton having stepped away this offseason. But the Saints are at risk of losing cornerstone left tackle Terron Armstead in free agency next week. Armstead is expected to possibly command north of $22 million per year on the market. If that’s so, there are not many viable replacement options in free agency. The Saints could instead look to reorganize their offensive line by moving Ryan Ramczyk to left tackle and filling the hole at right tackle with a newcomer instead. Collins, and his team-friendly contract, could be an option as a bookend.
New Orleans does have veteran James Hurst they could fall back on as well, but perhaps there would be some value in keeping Hurst as the swing lineman or even allowing him compete on the inside for a role there. While the Saints seem interested in seeing if Cesar Ruiz improves under new offensive line coach Doug Marrone, a little competition could help push the third-year guard.
