Joe Haden rumors: 5 teams that should offer deal

4. New Orleans Saints

At last year’s trade deadline, the Saints were among the teams with reported interest in Haden. But the asking price was too high for them, and that may remain the same now despite La Canfora’s report of some serious motivation on Cleveland’s end.

But the Saints have a short window to win as currently constructed, with quarterback Drew Brees entering a contract year and ongoing rumors head coach Sean Payton will leave at the first good opportunity to do so. Three straight 7-9 seasons hasn’t cut it, albeit in a competitive division that has the last two NFC champions, with a bad defense as the constant primary culprit.

The Saints are also already down a cornerback, at least to start the season, with Delvin Breaux expected to start he season on short-term IR with a fractured left fibula. Rookie Marcus Lattimore will absolutely help the situation, but New Orleans still needs some help in the secondary. Haden, even in an injury-diminished state, can be an asset.

Haden’s contract may be the biggest barrier for the Saints though. They are constantly salary cap-strapped, so they may have to send a player to the Browns in a trade along with a draft pick to make it work. But those details should not prevent New Orleans from renewing their interest in Haden, at least initially.