Breaking Down What a Justin Reid Trade Could Look Like

The New Orleans Saints are in a very interesting situation going into the trade deadline. With the current state of the team, they should be sellers at the deadline, and they have some pieces that could be moved on from for decent value. On the other hand, staff members are fighting for their jobs, and protecting Tyler Shough’s future should be a priority.

With both sides in mind, there's a special middle ground where some players exist that would make sense as trade pieces. Kendre Miller, with Travis Etienne’s return, Davon Godchaux, Pete Werner, and Justin Reid. Each player, if traded away, would make the team a bit worse, but it wouldn't be catastrophic to the point where it would destroy any chance of winning, like if the Saints sent Chase Young to another team. 

The player that I wanted to focus on was Reid. 

Since signing with the Saints, Reid has not been the player anyone expected. He was an important piece for two of the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl-winning seasons, and is a leader for this young team. This move was hopefully going to be similar to the Tyrann Mathieu signing, but it was closer to Jairus Byrd. We just haven't seen that leadership that can glue the safety room together, and although not all mistakes are on him, there are too many for a veteran. We have also seen some tackling issues that just can't happen. 

After some games this season, there have also been moments when Reid fought fans on social media, which is not what you want a captain of your team to do.

The Saints do not have a certified replacement for Reid unless they move Jonas Sanker back to safety, which may be the best move for the long-term potential of the young player's career. This would be the best path moving forward; then the Saints can put Quincy Riley into the slot role. 

Reid’s contract is going to be the selling point for any team, and a franchise that could be fighting for a Super Bowl will look the Saints' way to upgrade at safety. Whoever trades for the veteran safety will likely only have to give up a 5th-round pick, maybe a 4th if the Saints stay strong in negotiations. That's likely around where Reid’s value currently is, even with some of his struggles in New Orleans. It's not the best deal for the Saints, but one that could help the future of this team.