The outlook for the New Orleans Saints improved exponentially this offseason. They were finally able to fill their void at the quarterback position, signing Derek Carr after the Las Vegas Raiders decided to move on from him.
Carr will bring stability to a position that has lacked it since Drew Brees announced his retirement. With a little more consistent performance at the position during the 2022 season, the Saints could have easily won the NFC South, which the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took home at 8-9.
New Orleans finished the season 7-10 but things are looking up. There are spots on the roster that could use some shoring up, but they are considered the early favorites for the division title. That standing would improve with a few more transactions.
One spot on the team that could use a little more help is wide receiver. Chris Olave was excellent during his rookie season and should continue improving. Beyond him, however, there are some question marks.
The Saints cannot realistically count on Michael Thomas, who has played in only 10 games in the last three seasons. While talented, he has now crossed the wrong side of 30. Rashid Shaheed showed some big play potential as a rookie, but is he ready for a more consistent role?
In need of another option in the passing game, the Saints could look to bring in a familiar face for Carr. Hunter Renfrow of the Raiders has been mentioned as a possible trade target for New Orleans to round their roster out with. He was someone mentioned as a potential trade chip earlier in the offseason and those rumors haven’t stopped.
Renfrow dealt with injuries himself during the 2022 season, playing in only 10 games and catching 36 passes for 330 yards. Alas, he is only one season removed from a Pro Bowl campaign when he caught 103 passes for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns.
What could a trade between the Saints and Raiders look like? New Orleans could offer a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft in exchange for the slot receiver. Las Vegas would likely be happy to clear that money off their salary cap. Renfrow is also looking like the odd man out after they signed Jakobi Meyers in free agency.
For New Orleans, Renfrow would provide the team with a reliable slot receiver, something they don’t currently have. He would make the transition for Carr a little easier as they spent the last four seasons as teammates.
