The New Orleans Saints made a move to bolster their defensive line without using a draft pick. In a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, the Saints acquired edge rusher Tyree Wilson, a former seventh overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
During a press conference, General Manager Mickey Loomis addressed the team’s decision, emphasizing that defensive coordinator Brandon Staley has a clear plan for how Wilson can contribute to the Saints’ defense. However, Loomis made it clear that the organization is approaching Wilson’s future in New Orleans as a short-term experiment.
“It’s a one-year trial and we’ll see how it goes,” Loomis stated. His comments strongly suggest the Saints will not exercise Wilson’s fifth-year option, which would guarantee him a salary of $14.475 million for the 2027 season.
If Wilson performs well in 2024, he could become a priority for a contract extension, presenting the Saints with a potential dilemma in the offseason. A strong year could also position him for a lucrative deal elsewhere in free agency, creating a scenario the Saints would need to navigate carefully.