Saints agree to trade with the Patriots to fix one of their biggest weaknesses right before free agency even starts

Godchaux has shown that he can be amongst the best run stoppers in the entire NFL in the near past. For New Orleans, their run defense has struggled mightily over the past two seasons, so adding a player of this caliber in that department for such a cheap price is a smart move. 

The Saints allowed 2,404 (second-worst in NFL) rushing yards on 4.9 YPC last season. 

Godchaux is a nose tackle, through and through, for New Orleans now. That's a piece of the DL depth chart for the Saints that was incredibly thin, entering free agency. Expect him to play an important role for Brandon Staley's unit next season. 

Coaching staff changes, a lot more can change. Godchaux had been with the Patriots since 2021, under Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo. Now that New England is transitioning to defensive coordinator Terrell Williams' system under Mike Vrabel, Godchaux became dispensable.

But more than that, it's an understanding of where the Patriots are as a franchise. A fifth-round pick in 2027, the defensive tackle is 30 and had signed a two-year, $18 million extension with the Patriots back in July. At this point of their rebuilding process, it makes more sense for New England to spend its resources on younger pieces, players with more upside.

While Godchaux is generally perceived as a solid run-stuffer, his advanced metrics have been underwhelming. Last season, for instance, he had a 48.0 run defense grade. The interior defensive lineman was a solid tackler, though, getting 48 total tackles and 35 stops in 2024.

His positional versatility is a plus as well, with 399 snaps at the B-gap, but also playing at the A-gap and, to a lesser extent, over the tackle and even outside the tackle.

Originally drafted by the Miami Dolphins, Godchaux first signed with the Patriots in free agency in 2021. Earlier this offseason, New England had given permission for him to seek a trade. After all, that was the move that made sense for everyone involved.

Contract update: I’m told DT Davon Godchaux is expected to have his contract redone upon the completion of his trade to the #Saints, per league source. -- Josina Anderson

Not to mention, Godchaux gets to return home with this deal. He's a Plaquemine, Louisiana native and was drafted out of LSU. All in all, this is an ideal scenario for every side involved. Good swing for the Saints.