3 trades Saints have to make to avoid being playoff pretenders

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 03: Evan Engram #88 of the New York Giants runs with the ball against the New Orleans Saints during a game at the Caesars Superdome on October 03, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

2. Evan Engram for 2022 5th Round Pick

Going away from the wide receiver with this next hypothetical trade but with a bigger name and price tag. This time the Saints look to the NFC East and the struggling New York Giants offense. Tight end Evan Engram may be one of the only healthy pass-catcher in New York but that has not stopped his name from being floated out in trade rumors this season. A near-constant on the injury report this season, Engram has played in five games and amassed only 20 catches for 171 yards. He is also in the final year of his deal which is likely why the rumors are circulating.

Engram would be a handy acquisition for the Saints’ offense. Current tight end Adam Trautman has not done much this season. The talent gap between him and Engram is clear. Engram, the former first-rounder, would add a dynamic middle-of-the-field threat for Winston and Payton. It is easy to imagine Payton drawing up plays for Engram that he previously used for Jimmy Graham (not to say the two players are the same).

New Orleans likely has a fourth-round compensatory pick coming their way from losing free agents a season ago. That would make it easier for them to part with this fifth-round pick to New York.

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