Hypothetical trade allows the Saints to take a chance on talented young wide receiver with a ton of motivation to prove himself
An intriguing trade idea between an AFC and an NFC team.
Hypothetical trades are always an intriguing idea to consider as the NFL season grows closer. The New Orleans Saints are hopeful in their first season under Kellen Moore, and making some moves to improve their roster and overall depth could be on the horizon. Trading for talent at wide receiver would make plenty of sense if the Saints choose that route by the start of the regular season.
Hypothetical Saints-Texans trade sends John Metchie III to New Orleans
Saints receive: WR John Metchie III, 2026 7th-round pick
New Orleans’ wide receiver depth was a clear cause of concern in their first preseason action. Mason Tipton caught a long touchdown pass from Tyler Shough, but that was his only grab in the game. Meanwhile, Brandin Cooks played limited snaps. He’s often looked at as the projected third wideout on the depth chart for New Orleans.
Past those two, the pro experience ands production is incredibly limited – especially after losing young WR Bub Means for the season due to injury. Metchie would immediately step in to have an impact right off the bat, and the same cannot be said for him in Houston. They have notable depth at pass catcher after adding talent there in both free agency and the draft. Metchie is also entering a contract year, so he has extra motivation to produce for whoever he suits up for this season.
I discussed how Metchie could impact the Saints WR room with Justin Churchill.
John Metchie was a highly recruited guy out of high school, and rightfully so. At Alabama, he was a guy that oftentimes looked unstoppable, but his health concerns with cancer were a reason that kept him from getting his NFL career off to a hot start. Now, he has shown that he can be a big time player on a team in the NFL, but not really as a first option, more so as a second, but mainly third option, In Houston, they have added guys around C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins by free agency and the NFL Draft, and now it’s looking like Metchie could see his target share go down. He was a popular trade name last year with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs.
Now, he would be a guy that would fit perfectly in a WR3 role for the New Orleans Saints. He’s a good route runner with sure hands, and has a good ability to use his elusiveness and speed after the catch. But, he’s still a guy that I feel like we haven’t seen the best of yet. Houston needs some offensive line depth in return, considering they didn’t do enough to address the worst part of their offense last season, and Stroud needs some protection. — Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports
Kyle Hergel goes back to Houston in deal
Texans receive: OL Kyle Hergel, 2026 6th-round pick
In this deal, the Saints send backup interior offensive lineman Kyle Hergel to Houston. Hergel doesn’t have a clear path to starting with the Saints, but he does provide versatility as a backup at both guards spots as well as center. Hergel played well for the Saints during last year’s preseason and could garner reps inside in both of New Orleans’ final preseason matchups this year, too.
Trevor Penning is dealing with an injury that will keep him sidelined until, at least, the start of the regular season. With that, Hergel could see an increase in snaps, along with Shane Lemieux. Both were with the Saints a season ago.
Houston’s offensive line saw dramatic changes this offseason, but it remains unclear if the unit will actually be improved compared to last season. They still have major questions marks when it comes to their interior, so Hergel could step in to either be valuable depth or vying for a starting role. He is inexperienced, but the flashes have certainly been there when he’s gotten an opportunity in New Orleans.
This trade scenario makes sense for both teams. We will see if either organization chooses to make a deal or two to bolster their depth ahead of the games that actually count.
