The New Orleans Saints have officially finalized their trade for defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, a move that aimed to shore up their run defense in the first season under head coach Kellen Moore. While the team didn’t post a standout record, there were clear signs of growth across the roster—especially on defense.
Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, the Saints saw notable improvements in both stopping the run and defending the pass. A major focus last offseason was strengthening the interior defensive line, which led to the first-round selection of Bryan Bresee and the acquisition of Godchaux from the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick (No. 224 overall).
Godchaux, Bresee, and Nathan Shepherd formed the core of New Orleans’ defensive interior, with Godchaux taking on the critical nose tackle role. Now that the season has wrapped up, it’s time to take a closer look at how that trade paid off.
By the Numbers
Godchaux appeared in 16 games for the Saints, ranking third on the team in run-game tackles with 29. He also recorded 16 run stops, contributing to a defensive unit that finished seventh in the NFL in yards allowed per carry. However, his role remained rotational, similar to his time in New England, as he played just 42 percent of defensive snaps. As a pass-rusher, his impact was limited—he generated only nine pressures and posted a pass rush win rate of 8.8 percent.
Mixed Results
While Godchaux provided reliable early-down snaps, he struggled to consistently penetrate the backfield, finishing with just two tackles for loss. As the season progressed, younger Saints defenders began to see more playing time, and Godchaux’s snap count dwindled down the stretch. He didn’t deliver many game-changing plays, but the cost of acquisition was minimal—just a late-round pick—and his $7.1 million cap hit for 2026 is manageable.
Looking Ahead
With emerging talent pushing for more snaps, Godchaux’s role in New Orleans remains uncertain. Still, the trade was a low-risk, moderate-reward move that helped stabilize the Saints’ run defense during a transitional season. Whether he remains a key piece or shifts into a mentorship role, the Saints have flexibility as they continue to build under Moore and Staley.