Will the Saints Make a Trade at the Deadline?

Last season, when the New Orleans Saints were having a bad start to the year, it was clear that eventhough the goal was to win now, that wasn't happening. The Saints had to adjust. And to their credit, they made two moves at the deadline that were great. Rashid Shaheed was moved for around what his value was, and they were able to get something for Trevor Penning, which was shocking. 

This year, the Saints should once again be sellers at the deadline, but it's not as simple as before. There is real pressure for New Orleans to perform, and if they don't turn the season around, the entire staff and GM Mickey Loomis could be on their way out. So, why would they sell their chances of making that happen? 

I don't think this would make them buyers either. Throwing away the future to make moves could and should be prevented by the owner as a clear desperation move. It also may backfire even worse if the staff and Loomis end up surviving. 

So, if they are not going to be major sellers, and buying is unlikely to be an option, will the Saints make a trade at the deadline?

I think so.

Staying put and doing nothing may be as bad as mortgaging the future to win games. Players on the roster have not played well enough to keep their starting spot and, at times, have a negative impact on the Saints’ chances of winning. Keeping those players does not make sense for a team trying to win. 

Looking at this roster, the player who may be on the way out to make this team better could be Davon Godchaux. I'm not sure the Saints can get a trade partner for him, but if they were able to do it for Penning, they may be able to do it again. 

Two other players, Justin Ried and Cesar Ruiz, are also trade options. Now, I don't think these two have made the Saints worse, but I do think moving on from them would not make this team worse. Jeremiah Wright can take over for Ruiz and has already had starting snaps, even if some were troubling, and Jordan Howden can play as the starting safety for the rest of the season. Not a great scenario, but getting draft capital back would be worth it for any staff. 

I have seen Devaughn Vele linked to trades, but that one really doesn't make sense to me, especially if you are relying on Tyler Shough to do everything on offense.