The New Orleans Saints are in a great spot heading toward the 2023 season. They filled the biggest hole they had on their roster early in the offseason, agreeing to a deal with quarterback Derek Carr to become their new starter.
With Carr taking over the offense, New Orleans is considered the favorite by many to win the NFC South. They have the most steady quarterback situation and after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won last season’s division title at 8-9, the Saints don’t have to make too big of an improvement in 2023 to challenge for the crown.
Working in their favor is a very favorable schedule that is loaded with matchups the Saints should be able to exploit. The PFF Game Simulator is a big fan of theirs as they should find plenty of success on the field.
They would be projected for even more success if they continue to upgrade their roster during the offseason. One of the areas that the Saints could use some help is at wide receiver, specifically in the slot.
The team is set on the boundary with Chris Olave and Michael Thomas returning. If Thomas can stay healthy, those two can buoy the passing offense. But, bringing in an upgrade in the slot would take them to another level.
One suggested trade target for the Saints is Hunter Renfrow of the Las Vegas Raiders. Renfrow was mentioned as a trade candidate coming into the offseason and those rumors haven’t slowed down after the team signed Jakobi Meyers in free agency.
Las Vegas is likely motivated to move Renfrow because of the cap hit that he carries. If they trade him after June 1st, they will save $11.29 million. After spending the first four seasons of his career catching passes from Carr with the Raiders, the transition to New Orleans would be much easier knowing he is there.
Renfrow had a tough 2022 dealing with injuries as he played in only 10 games. He caught 36 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns. But, the season before that, which earned him the contract extension he is currently playing on, he made the Pro Bowl catching 103 passes for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns.
