The Saints and rest of the NFL have to cut down their rosters to 53 players by Saturday afternoon. The way each club gets there is up to them. Cutting players is the most likely choice by many, but trade talks can certainly heat up and one interesting member of the Saints saw his name pop up in such conversations less than 24 hours before that deadline.
According to Albert Breer from the MMQB, Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins has seen his name raised in trade talks prior to that deadline. Rainkins, New Orleans’ first-round pick at the 2016 NFL Draft, played in 10 games last season, notching two sacks and 10 tackles. 4
However, the 26-year-old has battled injuries since joining the Saints. Most recently, he’s suffered from Achilles issues. In 2020, Rankins is playing on the fifth-year option from his rookie deal. Per Spotrac, that fifth-year option pays him $7.7 million this season.
An effort to move Rankins could come about because of other contractual circumstances surrounding the team. On Friday, the Saints were reportedly preparing contract restructures in an effort to sign free agent pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney. In addition, it has recently been reported that running back Alvin Kamara is looking to get a new contract from the team.
