Saints-Vikings Trade Speculation Heats Up; Key Starter Could Fit In Minnesota

The New Orleans Saints have a chance to dominate the trade deadline if they can manage their assets in the best way possible. New Orleans has a lot of valuable trade assets, including players like Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, and Demario Davis.

But these aren't the only valuable assets the Saints have to trade away. There are a few other players on their roster who could net the Saints a solid draft pick.

Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame recently put together a bold trade proposal that would send former Saints first round pick Trevor Penning to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a sixth-round pick.

 

Sep 22, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Trevor Penning (70) looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

 

"It hasn’t worked out in New Orleans for Penning, the 2022 first-round pick who has struggled to find a starting position. On the bright side, Penning offers versatility as a lineman with starting experience playing tackle and guard," Verderame wrote. "Right now, the Vikings need all the help they can get. Not only has the offensive line disappointed, but three of the five starters are currently dealing with injuries. It’s usually a red flag when teams are willing to shop an offensive lineman because the good ones are rarely available. But it never hurts to add versatility and depth to a critical area."

The Saints might want to trade Penning for a few reasons. First of all, they've found their franchise offensive tackles in Taliese Fuaga and Kelvin Banks Jr. Penning has been solid since moving inside, but it seems like he's unlikely to be re-signed when his contract expires. Instead of letting Penning walk in free agency at the end of the season, New Orleans could net a draft pick in a deal.

The Vikings need to bolster the offensive line in front of young quarterback JJ McCarthy. McCarthy hasn't looked great when healthy, so he could benefit from a better offensive front. Penning is versatile enough to fit the future of the Minnesota offensive line. He could slot in at four of the five lineman spots, aside from center, and the Vikings could look to re-sign him at the end of the year. A sixth round pick is reasonable for Minnesota if it wants to make a playoff push this year.

The Saints are poised to take advantage of a weakened Falcons squad and reassert themselves in the division

The New Orleans Saints will have an opportunity to get out of the NFC South basement in Week 12. During the team's bye week, their opponent for that game suffered a blow that may hurt their chances to beat the Saints next weekend. The Atlanta Falcons may be without their quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., against New Orleans in Week 12 due to injury.

Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. injured during Week 11 loss to Panthers

In a loss to the Carolina Panthers that dropped them to 3-7 on the season, the Falcons QB is believed to have aggravated the same knee injury that he dealt with earlier in this season. There is concern he will miss some time, according to Ian Rapoport.

For the Saints, this would be a notable situation. They haven't found much success in the win column so far this year as they sit at 2-8 coming out of their bye week.

Although, they looked better in Week 10 with Tyler Shough at quarterback. The rookie was impressive, and the Saints defense also flew around to destroy the Panthers' momentum. That momentum was clearly reignited by playing Atlanta while the Saints were off this weekend.

Regardless, the loss of Penix would force veteran QB Kirk Cousins into the starting lineup for Atlanta against the Saints. Cousins struggled mightily earlier this season when he had to play in place of the younger Penix. New Orleans got after Bryce Young in their recent victory, and Cousins provides less upside than either Young or Penix.

If New Orleans beats Atlanta next weekend, they will push the Falcons into last place in the division. Even if it would hurt the Saints 2026 NFL Draft stock at the same time, getting a rivalry win that would be ATL's sixth loss in a row would definitely feel good and help the morale around the team.

Kool-Aid McKinstry's up and down start puts a bullseye on the fial stretch

Coming into the season, the Saints hoped young cornerback Kool Aid McKinstry jump in his sophomore campaign.  Through 10 games, his year has featured its share of peaks and valleys, but McKinstry also has clearly taken a step forward as a full time starter, highlighted by the first interceptions of his career.  His performance has warranted him an average grade of a C.

McKinstry has put together some impressive performances, including a breakout game against the New York Giants in which he recorded multiple interceptions and earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.  There have also been a couple of poor performances as well, which highlight that consistency is still a work in progress.  Despite the ups and downs, McKinstry's overall trajectory remains encouraging as he continues to adjust to being a full time starter.

McKinstry has a slightly below average PFF grade of a 58.8, due to allowing 448 yards and 6 touchdowns on the year.  While he hasn’t given up an excessive amount of yardage, the number of touchdowns allowed is an area that needs improvement.  

Development in this area will be key for McKinstry to raise his overall grade and become a more consistent threat in coverage.  So far, he has recorded 36 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 7 pass breakups.  He is looking to close out the final 6 games strong to build momentum and continue his upward trajectory as a playmaker in the Saints secondary.

 

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