The New Orleans Saints continue to work on their revamped offense under new head coach Kellen Moore. On Tuesday, they claimed tight end Mason Pline off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers. Pline went undrafted out of Furman last season before joining San Francisco’s practice squad. He’s a big target at 6‑7 and brings athletic upside. Pline played both basketball and football in college, evoking memories of Saints legend Jimmy Graham. The Saints waived tight end Seth Green to open the roster spot.
Pline likely won’t be a star immediately. However, Moore may utilize him in multiple roles within the new offensive schemes.
Meanwhile, fan favorite Taysom Hill is facing an uncertain future. Bleacher Report flagged him as a “shocking” cut candidate. Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski points out the Saints could save $10 million in cap space by cutting Hill.
Hill, now nearly 35, may no longer fit the Saints’ rebuild timeline. “The idea of keeping the soon‑to‑be 35‑year‑old veteran… doesn’t seem feasible,” wrote Sobleski. Losing Hill would remove a versatile mismatch weapon. But it would free up resources to add new options.
Trade Target: Terry McLaurin
The Saints have been urged to add an “experienced, dynamic” weapon to enhance Moore’s offense. Terry McLaurin fits that mold. He carried five straight 1,000‑yard seasons with the Washington Commanders.
McLaurin recently requested a trade amid stalled contract negotiations. He reportedly seeks a new deal in the $30‑33 million per year range. Washington has not signaled any intent to move him. “The Commanders do not intend to trade” McLaurin, sources say.
Still, league insiders link the Saints to McLaurin as a potential landing spot. He could pair with Moore’s new scheme as a reliable outside threat. Tramell Jeffers of Who Dat Dish says the combination of 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.”
How These Moves Help Kellen Moore
Moore inherited a stagnant offense with the Saints. The addition of Pline brings tight end depth and potential explosive plays. Dropping Hill would open salary space but remove a trusted and versatile weapon. That shift would force Moore to rely on traditional receivers.
Landing McLaurin would upgrade the wide receiver room immediately. His consistent production would give Moore a player capable of winning downfield. At age 29, he offers both experience and peak production.
McLaurin’s availability seems unlikely. Washington reportedly prefers negotiation over sale. Even so, Saints analysts argue Moore would benefit from McLaurin’s addition.
Risks and Rewards
Trading for McLaurin comes with a high price tag. He seeks an extension that may strain cap space. If the Saints freed cap space via cutting Hill, they could afford a move. Adding Pline costs little and develops tight end competition.
Moore could gain a foundational piece at wideout and depth at tight end. The Saints would transform their receiving options quickly.
Pursuing Terry McLaurin remains speculative, but he represents a high‑level target. McLaurin offers proven production in a contract dispute. Even if trade odds remain low, linking him to the Saints underscores their commitment to upgrading.
These moves could give Moore the dynamic weapons he needs. With new tight end depth and a potential star wide receiver, the Saints could build a more explosive, versatile offense.
