Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead can be quite opportunistic. Whether armed with data analytics profiles from the Nerds Nest or just playing a hunch, he seems to know who is obtainable and who can improve his team. Right now, three of the top 15 players considered to be the top NFL trade deadline targets play for the 1-7 New Orleans Saints.
And the Saints are marching into SoFi Stadium to face Los Angeles in Week 8. Per Sports Illustrated’s writer, Gilbert Manzano, the three Saints players who could be moved before the NFL trade deadline include wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, cornerback Alontae Taylor, and wide receiver Chris Olave.
All three play at positions that could benefit LA’s efforts to win in the second half of the season. With New Orleans slated to face the Rams in Week 8, general manager Les Snead will have first-hand experience at vetting potential trade targets. The game will be played on Sunday, November 2nd. The NFL trade deadline is November 4th.
The Saints could be sellers to Rams at the trade deadline
While the Saints may opt to ride the storm of struggles out this season, they have several solid reasons to entertain trade offers at the deadline. With the decision to start rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, the team has thrown in the towel in terms of winning now, in favor of building experience and chemistry for the future.
While WR Chris Olave and CB Alontae Taylor are young enough to play through a rebuild, 27-year-old wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is hitting the prime of his NFL career and may want to play for a contender sooner rather than later.
Some fans believe that the current Los Angeles roster is capable of winning the next Super Bowl, and they could be right. But when is it ever a bad idea to add talent to a team seeking a playoff berth? LA seemed to swell the wide receiver room by signing free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in 2021. He arrived as an afterthought. But several weeks and injuries later, he emerged as a vital contributor.
If Snead loves what he sees in Week 8, he is shrewd enough to feel out Saints general manager Mickey Loomis to see if there is mutual interest in striking a deal. Loomis is long-tenured, which insulates him from reacting to pressure to keep his job. Perhaps he is as tired of losing as Saints fans?
If he is, Snead will have an opportunity to meet his price for a solid player. Stay tuned.
Be the first to comment