New Orleans faces a rough start at 0-4 and is openly weighing a rebuild, with multiple veterans and youngsters on the trade radar. Nathan Shepherd stands out as a prime cap-friendly asset to potentially flip for a sixth-round draft pick, freeing roster space for the Saints’ long-term plan while still keeping options open at the deadline.

A proposed swap would send Shepherd to Green Bay in a move designed to bolster a run defense under stress, especially with Kenny Clark’s status and Wyatt’s injury reducing Packers interior depth. For Green Bay, the deal would address a clear need; for New Orleans, it would yield a future asset while accelerating their rebuild timeline.

Aside from Shepherd, Olave, Kamara, and Jordan have generated interest, but the article centers on how a single move could reframe both teams’ trajectories and impact fantasy rosters entering the stretch run.

The New Orleans Saints pulled off a preseason shock, sending Khalen Saunders to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for Luke Fortner. Saunders, who started for New Orleans last season, had slipped a bit against the run (49.2 PFF grade) and was visible during a recent preseason tilt with Jacksonville. In return, the Saints add Fortner, a versatile interior blocker who has anchored the Jaguars’ line. The move immediately reshapes the Saints’ interior DL depth, even as they lean on Nathan Shepherd and Khristian Boyd to fill the void.

Jacksonville gains a veteran starter for a preseason game-day swap, while New Orleans gains a line stabilizer on the inside. For fantasy fans, it’s a reminder that depth-chart shakeups can influence snap splits and rotation, even before the regular season. The Saints’ shift signals a broader evaluation of run defense personnel, and the Jaguars’ acquisition injects a more immediate interior presence for quarterback protection and short-yardage power plays.

The countdown is on for the New Orleans Saints as they prepare for their 2025 regular season opener against the Arizona Cardinals, just 93 days away. Defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd will don the number 93, joining a historic list of players who have worn the number for the Saints. Notable past players include Wayne Martin, a franchise legend with impressive stats, and Darren Howard, who had a significant impact during his tenure. Shepherd, now in his third year with the Saints, aims to build on his solid stats from previous seasons as he fits into Brandon Staley's defensive strategy.

The New Orleans Saints have opted to retain key players while also making strategic changes to their roster this offseason. Notable incomings include Brandin Cooks, who returns after a stint with the Dallas Cowboys, and defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd. However, the Saints have seen the departure of former first-round pick Payton Turner, whose tenure was marred by injuries and underwhelming performance, totaling just 5 sacks over four seasons. Turner has now signed with the Cowboys, where he expressed enthusiasm for the shift in defensive schemes under Matt Eberflus, highlighting the Cowboys' focus on versatility and aggressive play style, contrasting with the Saints' more rigid system.

Turner acknowledged the challenges he faced in New Orleans, particularly in adapting to a system that emphasized technique over instinctive play. He believes that his ability to penetrate the offense could flourish in Dallas, allowing him to play to his strengths. With renewed focus on conditioning and a fresh start, Turner hopes to emerge as a more impactful player in his fifth season. Meanwhile, the Saints are looking to solidify their roster around their returning stars as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The New Orleans Saints are set to face the Green Bay Packers without wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who is sidelined due to illness. This comes after he struggled with flu symptoms earlier in the week.

In his absence, the Saints will likely rely on a mix of players including Tipton, Pettis, Austin, and Wilson, as well as tight ends Moreau and Johnson to enhance their offensive strategy.