With the 2025 NFL preseason week 1 nearly upon the New Orleans Saints, there are many questions surrounding how the roster may end up panning out heading into the season, and who will land roles on the 53-man roster. At some positions, there are logjams of talent that will be decided down the stretch heading into Week 1, and on the other hand, some positions seem short of talent and could use some influx of prospects to develop alongside the current group.
With the Saints clearly in somewhat of a retool year, focusing on a much younger core than any in recent memory, a few trades could be on the horizon as roster cut-downs happen. Here are three proposals for the Saints to pursue in the coming weeks, given their current lineup.
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Jan 5, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Saints get: TE Michael Mayer
Raiders get: 2026 fourth-round pick
Adding Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer to the mix alongside Juwan Johnson would certainly be a positive, low-risk move, and with the Raiders finding their definitive long-term starter with Brock Bowers, they may be more willing to move Mayer. A second-round pick back in the 2023 NFL draft, Mayer would likely draw a third- or fourth-round pick in trade compensation, given his first two years of production have been stunted by a lack of looks his way. The prospect of getting a pick at the top of the round from what may be a bad Saints team could entice the Raiders. Adding him as a piece for Kellen Moore to develop would be a quick depth fix at the position and a fun long-term project. Is it worth shipping out what may be the first pick in Round 4 for two years of Mayer? Maybe.
Trading EDGE Isaiah Foskey to the Cincinnati Bengals
Aug 10, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Isaiah Foskey (55) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Saints get: 2026 sixth-round pick
Bengals get: EDGE Isaiah Foskey
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Another question resides in the very deep defensive line group, and who among them may end up being traded away. One of the likely candidates would be another former second-round pick, this time Isaiah Foskey, formerly of Notre Dame. Foskey has not found his footing whatsoever in his time in New Orleans, and with an opportunity to play elsewhere, it may be in the best interest of the franchise to move on from him. A team like the Cincinnati Bengals could be interested, as former Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden has taken over the same role there, and previously worked with Foskey during a great collegiate career. While the return would likely be a mid-to-late Day 3 pick, it is better than nothing.
Nov 24, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) celebrates in front of San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (2) after earning a first down during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Saints get: WR Romeo Doubs
Packers get: 2026 third-round pick
Finally, a little bit more of a high-stakes trade would be adding one of the Green Bay Packers’ wide receivers at a varying cost level. With Matthew Golden and Savion Williams both being drafted this offseason, it is clear that one of Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, or Jayden Reed could become available, given the overcrowded room. Doubs would likely be the most viable target for New Orleans, as he has been productive, but three years in, he has not necessarily seen an exceptional workload either. A price tag of around a high third-round pick would likely get things done, especially if Doubs were to get caught up in the depth chart alongside the other wide receiver options.
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This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Which three trades could the Saints make to improve their 2025 roster?