Micah Parsons and Terry McLaurin have both requested a trade from their respective organizations. The New Orleans Saints landing either one of these players would be a long shot, but let's live in fantasy world for a second.
Both players are highly regarded as one of the best players at their positions, they are searching for large contracts that would put them amongst the highest paid at their positions. It'll be difficult to make this work financially even with the departures of Derek Carr and Tyrann Mathieu freed up a large amount of cap space.
Let's take compensation and attractiveness out of the picture. If the Saint had a chance at McLaurin or Parsons, who would serve as the better option?
Terry McLaurin would give the Saints one of the best receiving duos in the NFL
The Saints wide receiver room isn't necessarily the prettiest on paper, Terry McLaurin would instantly give the Saints offense a major boost as a true number 1 wide receiver. He gives them an experienced and dynamic weapon that can help a young quarterback elevate the passing game.
McLaurin and Chris Olave would form as one of the best wide receiver duos in the game, which is similar to what Kellen Moore had in Philadelphia, with A.J Brown and DeVonta Smith. If the Saints did pull off this trade, it would be the second time Olave and McLaurin would be teammates. They crossed paths briefly at Ohio State in 2018.
Micah Parsons is Micah Parsons. Need we say more?
It has been repeated all offseason on how the Saints need help at the edge rush position, adding a player of his caliber immediately elevates this defense into a different tier. He is a former Defensive Rookie of the Year, 4 time Pro Bowler, and 2 time All Pro.
Parsons would serve as a perfect fit under Brandon Staley's 3-4 defensive scheme as an undersized edge rusher. This scheme emphasizes outside linebackers to primarily focus on rushing the quarterback, which is his biggest strength.
Parsons would be the better pickup for the Saints
Although the Saints could use more help at the wide receiver position, Parsons is the better player and fit for the Saints defense. The Saints have a much bigger need at the the edge rusher position. Parsons is universally considered as one of the best pass rushers in the NFL and the Saints could desperately use his ability to get after the quarterback.
Completing a trade and a contract extension seems extremely difficult, but if the Saints can find a way to strike a deal, it would serve as a grand slam for years to come!
