ESPN Analyst Absolutely HATED Patriots-Saints Trade — For One Team

The Patriots and Saints swung a trade Monday, with New England reportedly sending defensive tackle Davon Godchaux to New Orleans for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick.

The deal, reportedly agreed upon before the official start of NFL free agency, comes after New England recently gave Godchaux permission to seek a trade.

ESPN analytics writer Seth Walder graded the trade and gave the Patriots a “B,” citing New England’s ability to acquire an asset while going in a different direction.

Walder’s mark for the Saints was far less flattering, though, as he handed them a “D-plus” for their questionable decision making.

“The Saints just can’t help themselves from spending more money, even when they absolutely can’t afford it,” Walder wrote. “They are in a tight salary cap situation, are not Super Bowl contenders and likely won’t return to being contenders until they clear themselves out of their financial mess. Spending more money — Godchaux is due $5 million in salary and bonuses — on a 30-year-old nose tackle is not going to help.”

Godchaux, a fifth-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2017, was a four-year starter with New England. But he’s coming off a down season, even showing signs of decline against the run, an area where he’s typically excelled throughout his NFL career.

Toss in Godchaux’s contract, age and the Saints’ uncertain future after a 5-12 season, and it’s easy to see why Walder can’t help but question the move from New Orleans’ perspective.

The Patriots, meanwhile, were very busy Sunday and Monday, reportedly agreeing to deals with several standout free agents, including Milton Williams, Carlton Davis, Robert Spillane and Harold Landry III.