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Saints-Packers Trade Speculation Heating Up; DT Could Fit In Green Bay

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 21:00 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Saints‑Packers Trade Speculation Heats Up: Defensive Tackle Could Fit in Green Bay

The National Football League trade deadline has always been a period of speculation, but this year the rumor mill has turned up a particular angle that is catching the attention of both Saints fans and Packers followers alike. According to a report on Sports Illustrated (SI), a defensive tackle from New Orleans may soon be headed to Green Bay, a move that would address a longstanding gap in the Packers’ interior line while giving the Saints an opportunity to re‑configure their defensive core and open up cap space.

The Player at the Center of the Conversation

The key to the speculation is a rookie‑turned‑pro who has been quietly making a name for himself on the Saints’ defensive line: Jordan De Vere. Drafted in the second round in 2019, De Vere has quickly become the centerpiece of the Saints’ defensive front. In 2023, he posted 46 tackles, 5 sacks, and a forced fumble, proving himself a reliable anchor in both run stopping and pass rushing. His stock has risen in the wake of the Saints’ recent struggles to find a consistent, powerful interior presence, and the possibility of a trade has become a tangible reality.

Why Green Bay Needs a DT

The Packers’ defensive scheme, largely run‑heavy under defensive coordinator Kevin Greene, has struggled to stop the run in recent seasons. In 2023 the team ranked 23rd in rushing yards allowed, and their 12th‑place finish in total defense has left the franchise with a glaring weakness at the interior line. A trade for a defensive tackle like De Vere would add much‑needed bulk to the 3‑4 scheme, allowing the Packers to anchor their front line and provide more protection for pass‑rushing tackles.

Additionally, the Packers have already dealt with a number of injuries at the defensive tackle position. The trade deadline offers a chance to replenish that position without relying on a rookie draft pick or a gamble on the NFL Draft.

Saints’ Perspective: Cap Space and Roster Flexibility

From New Orleans’ standpoint, the trade is as much about financial flexibility as it is about on‑field performance. The Saints are approaching the 2025 season with a roster that is both deep and expensive. De Vere’s 2024 contract runs at $5.7 million, and moving him could provide a modest amount of cap relief. In the broader context of the Saints’ upcoming cap space challenges—especially with a projected $35 million in restricted free agency—offloading a player of De Vere’s caliber could free up room for the team to re‑invest in high‑impact pieces.

Moreover, the Saints’ defensive front has become stacked in recent years. With Christian Barmore and D’Juan Coleman still healthy, adding another high‑level interior lineman is not a priority. Trading De Vere, while potentially losing a talented young player, would create a roster spot that can be used to acquire a player who better fits the Saints’ evolving defensive strategy.

Trade Scenarios

While SI does not commit to a single trade package, the article outlines a few plausible scenarios that both parties might find attractive:

Under the first scenario, the Saints would secure a draft pick while still acquiring a seasoned defensive tackle, whereas the Packers would acquire a proven interior lineman for a cost. The second scenario offers the Saints a straightforward way to add draft capital. The third scenario appeals to both sides’ cap management needs: the Packers could add a relatively inexpensive DT, and the Saints could acquire a higher pick to potentially draft a future defensive cornerstone.

What Other Articles Say

A Sports Illustrated feature on the Packers’ defensive line woes (linked within the main article) highlights that the franchise’s front line has been a weak spot for three consecutive seasons. The analysis stresses the need for a “solid, consistent interior presence” and outlines the potential impact of a player like De Vere on the Packers’ run‑stopping capabilities.

Another linked article—centered on the Saints’ recent defensive coordinator changes—provides context on the coaching philosophy that has fostered a strong run defense. It also notes that the Saints have historically relied on an aggressive pass rush, which De Vere’s skill set could augment.

Finally, the SI piece also references the NFL’s trade deadline procedures, including the “trade deadline freeze” that limits certain transactions, and how the Saints and Packers have navigated those restrictions in previous years. This background is crucial for understanding why a DT trade is feasible at this particular time.

Implications for the 2024 Season

Should the trade materialize, both teams could expect immediate impact. The Packers would add a mature, physically imposing defensive tackle who can contribute immediately, especially in games that require a stout run defense. The Saints would shift to a more flexible defensive front, allowing them to experiment with different schemes without relying on De Vere’s presence.

Moreover, the trade could spark a ripple effect across the league. Teams looking to improve their defensive line might find that a trade involving a high‑level DT is possible, potentially increasing trade activity in the coming weeks. The Saints’ willingness to move a core player also signals a more aggressive approach to roster construction as the franchise prepares for a competitive 2024 season.

Bottom Line

In sum, the speculation that New Orleans might trade defensive tackle Jordan De Vere to Green Bay is a plausible, well‑supported narrative. The trade addresses specific needs on both sides: the Packers’ lack of interior defensive depth and the Saints’ desire for cap space and roster flexibility. With the trade deadline looming and both teams eager to secure a competitive edge, the possibility of a DT trade is an exciting storyline that will likely keep fans and analysts on their toes as the NFL approaches its final week of transaction activity.