Could the New Orleans Saints be heading toward a blockbuster trade this off-season?

One ESPN NFL insider believes that could be the case.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, who has been at the Senior Bowl this week mixing it up with NFL executives and coaches, suggested on Friday that New Orleans could be a team to watch when it comes to Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr.

"Watch for the New Orleans Saints here," wrote Fowler while discussing Carr's future. "A Carr-Saints connection was buzzing a bit in Mobile, and they could be a suitor. New Orleans has a first- and second-round pick from the Sean Payton deal, and head coach Dennis Allen coached Carr during his rookie year in Oakland."

Derek Carr got jokes ? ?

? ESPN pic.twitter.com/BqSFkyUha4

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 3, 2023

If the Saints want Carr in New Orleans, they might not even have to trade for him.

The Raiders have absolutely no leverage when it comes to Carr.

And that's for a couple of reasons.

For starters, Carr has a no-trade clause, so he has to approve any potential trade.

Secondly, Carr's 2023 salary becomes guaranteed if he's still on the Raiders' roster on Ferbruary 15.

Essentially, the Raiders need to find a trade partner by February 15 (unlikely) or they need to release Carr. If they don't, then Carr's $40.4 million salary becomes guaranteed. The Raiders then run the risk of not being able to trade Carr because of his salary. And then if they release him after that date, they're on the hook for that cash.

The most likely outcome is that Las Vegas releases Carr before February 15. And if that's the case, then the Saints can pursue him like any other free agent. The Dennis Allen connection could certainly help woo Carr to New Orleans.

We'll see what happens over the next week with Carr, but it sounds like there's a decent chance he suits up for the Saints next season.

Featured image via Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports