The New Orleans Saints enter tampering week desperate for run defense help after a disastrous year against opposing running backs. New Orleans surrendered the second-most rushing yards, tied for the seventh-most rushing touchdowns, the second-highest yards per attempt, and tied for the fifth-most rushing first downs. With limited cap space, the Saints cannot afford to acquire a big-name run-stopper and will have to settle for a player on a cheaper contract.
The New Orleans Saints acquire elite run-stopper for 2025
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Saints will officially acquire Davon Godchaux from the Patriots for a 2026 seventh-round pick on Wednesday, at the start of the new league year. Godchaux is in the first year of his 2-year, $18 million contract, and he is scheduled to earn a $4 million base salary and a $5 million cap hit in 2025 and a $6.5 million base salary and a $8.5 million cap hit in 2026 per Over The Cap. After spending the first eight years away, he returns to his hometown.
The New England Patriots NT was on the trading block
Davon Godchaux had a solid 2024 campaign, performing well against the run, but is not known for his abilities as a pass rusher. Godchaux recorded the second-highest stops with 35 and tied for the eleventh-highest run stop win rate with 9.3% among qualified defensive tackles who have played at least 50% of snaps (h/t) PFF.
Since he is not known for his abilities as a pass rusher, Godchaux did not fit Mike Vrabel’s scheme. Therefore, the Patriots granted him permission to seek a trade. Instead of cutting him outright, they were able to receive trade compensation.
Also Read: New England Patriots: Veteran Defender Granted Permission to Seek Trade
A look at the New Orleans Saints’ current interior defensive line room
- Bryan Bresee
- Khalen Saunders
- Nathan Shepherd
- John Ridgeway III
- Khristian Boyd
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