NFL Trade Odds: 6 Players the New Orleans Saints Could Make a Play For

With a roster hurting by likely suspensions and glaring holes left over from the 2011 season, the New Orleans Saints are facing a defunct roster going into the offseason of 2012. And a lack of cap space will make it quite difficult for the organization to replace some of the lost talent or acquire players at weak positions. 

Much of the Saints focus this offseason is of course re-signing its own players. But to get over the hump and reclaim the Lombardi trophy at home in the dome, the Saints must bring in a few players who will bring stability to the current roster. 

In an ideal world, some of the recently 21 franchised players would be acquired in what would amount to a trade. But given the Saints' diminishing resources, acquiring any of these players becomes increasingly more difficult. 

Thus, players either with great experience that other teams may deem "over-the-hill" or young players, whose upside is the biggest sell, are the players New Orleans must look to acquire this offseason. 

St. Louis Rams DE James Hall

I've made it very clear this offseason the New Orleans Saints need to find an answer at defensive end for a pass-rusher. Many options have been laid out, but none yet have been of the trade market. 

With three years experience in Steve Spagnuolo's defensive system Hall should be able to come in and pick up the new defense right away, even help lead the other defensive linemen. For that reason, if no other, Hall would be a great pickup. 

Though 35, Hall has had a productive pro career, and as a backup or designated pass-rusher Hall could have tremendous value. Last season was one of Hall's worst professional seasons with only 6.0 sacks. Yet that would have put him second on the Saints defensive line in sacks for the entire season. 

And that was with Hall playing and starting 15 games. If Hall could come in and play 20 snaps at maximum effort, he should easily be able to surpass that number in 2012. 

Playing alongside Will Smith, Junior Galette and any other pass-rusher the Saints bring in this offseason Hall could be unleashed and make hell for opponents, in a clean way. 

The best part is that Hall's price tag would be relatively low. With one year left on his current contract Hall could easily be available especially if a team is willing to dangle a seventh-round selection for him. The Rams would love to get something back for him. 

And his overall cap hit will be $3.381 million. 

For a player of Hall's caliber, that would be a great salary for a money-starved franchise. 

Odds of Such a Move: 5-to-1

St. Louis Rams S Quintin Mikell

On the surface, a trade for the Rams' Quintin Mikell seems highly unlikely. With a four-year, $27 million deal and a 2012 $10 million cap hit the common fan would automatically eliminate any chance of a Mikell reunion with Spagnuolo in New Orleans. 

Here are two main reasons it could happen:

First, Mikell's base salary in 2012 is $1.0 million with a signing bonus of $1.0 million. Therefore his potential cap hit is just $2.0. million. Where'd that extra $8 million come from? It is a roster bonus. But if Mikell isn't on a roster that's $8 million the Rams don't have to pay him. 

Second, Mikell comes from the defensive scheme Spagnuolo will use with the Saints and just like Hall has experience working with Spags. 

A less important reason is that Mikell is from the city of New Orleans. All of these point to a potential move to New Orleans for Mikell. 

With Mikell, the move will be a little more costly. He will probably be had at the cost of a fourth-round selection. The Saints' organization may determine that is too high a cost for a "third" safety. 

Odds of Such a Move: 15-to-1

Explanation: Though Mikell is a great fit, and financially could come at a relatively low cost based on his experience level, it is odd to think that the Rams would just give up on a player of Mikell's caliber one year after giving him big money in free agency. 

With a new leadership structure in place it is totally possible, though. 

New York Giants WR Ramses Barden

At 6'6", 224 lbs. Ramses Barden is almost a clone of Marques Colston. With the Giants he has been largely ineffective because of a lack of playing time. The former Cal Poly Mustang was a rather large (no pun intended) prospect in the 2009 NFL draft. 

Yet in three seasons he has just 15 catches for 174 yards with no touchdowns. Clearly those numbers are not impressive. But if you were to look at the career arc of Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson, Barden isn't way behind him. Yes, Jackson began stepping up in his third season. 

As a Charger follower, I know that was more by necessity. There was no such necessity in New York for Barden. 

Barden has talent similar to Jackson but has yet to have the opportunity to show it off. If Marques Colston doesn't return to the Saints, a replacement must be found. Barden could be that guy. 

Odds of Such a Move: 3-to-1

Explanation: Barden is owed just under $1.5 million in 2012. Combined with re-signing Robert Meachem for approximately $2 million per year, Barden would be a wonderful fit in the 2012 New Orleans offense. 

Like Hall, Barden is in the last year of his contract and you have to figure the Giants would like to get something back for Barden. A seventh-round selection ought to do the trick. 

New York Giants LB Clint Sintim

At 6'3, 246 lbs. Clint Sintim is the ideal size for an outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense. And he has experience working in a defense similar to the one Steve Spagnuolo is bringing to New Orleans. 

Though he's mostly been a special teams player in his three-year career, Sintim possesses great ability as a versatile outside linebacker and key special teams contributor. While he is not a necessary acquisition, Sintim could be quite handy if the Saints are unable to bring back both Jonathan Casillas and Jo-Lonn Dunbar. 

Even if the Saints do not, they'd love to replace Scott Shanle as a rotation 'backer. 

Odds of Such a Move: 10-to-1

Philadelphia Eagles DE Darryl Tapp

While Darryl Tapp and the Philadelphia Eagles operated with the nine-technique defensive end in 2011, Tapp has played in a more traditional 4-3 system and had great success. Most notably he recorded 7.0 sacks in his second pro season in Seattle. 

As a lighter version of Will Smith, Tapp brings tremendous quickness and a burst to make things happen on the edge. As a situational pass-rusher Tapp could bring the Saints a much-needed burst player to create pressure on the quarterback.

Playing half his games on turf, Tapp would be an explosive player and could make a huge impact in a front four-friendly defense.

With a cap figure under $3 million, Tapp would be a cost-friendly, efficient use of the Saints' financial resources. Much like Sintim or Barden his potential is still great and he is likely just entering the prime of his career. Despite the potential, his acquisition likely would come at a small cost. 

Odds of Such a Move: 10-to-1

Philadelphia Eagles S Nate Allen

Going into his third professional season, Nate Allen is just figuring out the NFL game. But in his first two seasons the Eagles have tried to give him a job, hoping to make him the long-term answer as a replacement for Brian Dawkins. 

But they have been frustrated by his performance and have continued to search for answers not named Nate Allen. But coming out of South Florida, Allen was my highest-rated safety in the 2009 class. I thought he was a superstar ready to happen and was hoping upon all hope the Saints could find a way to add him in the 2009 draft.

I have no idea if Mickey Loomis and Co. felt the same way, but for a pretty small fee the guy the Eagles seem to undervalue could become a key contributor to a championship squad in The Bayou.

Odds of Such a Move: 25-to-1 

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