The New Orleans Saints have gotten an early start on rebuilding their defense, bringing a Louisiana native back home to help anchor the defensive line.
The Saints and Patriots have agreed to a trade for former LSU defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, according to reports, with the Saints sending a 2026 7th round pick to New England in the deal.
"Home is where the heart is!" Godchaux posted on social media. "Excited to be coming home and playing for the great state of Louisiana! A dream come true to play High school ball, College ball, and now NFL in the same state! So ready for this opportunity to play in front of WHODATNATION!! God makes no mistake."
The 30-year-old is in the first year of a 2-year, $18 million extension signed ahead of the 2024 season and is currently due to count $5 million against the cap in 2025, though the Saints are expected to rework that deal in some way when the trade is finalized. Since signing that extension the Patriots have undergone a coaching change, firing Jerod Mayo and hiring Mike Vrabel.
Godchaux, a native of Plaquemine, Louisiana, has appeared in 120 games between the Dolphins and Patriots since being drafted in the 5th round of 2017. He's now one of four former LSU players on the Saints, joining safety Tyrann Mathieu, TE Foster Moreau and RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
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Since joining the Patriots Godchaux has appeared in all 68 possible games, starting 67 of them. In his career he's rolled up 250 tackles, 8 TFLs and 5.5 sacks. Godchaux has played multiple interior defensive line spots and has significant experience at the nose tackle position, something the Saints need to succeed in their defensive scheme.
The move is the first of what will likely be a host of defensive moves to adjust to the new Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley's defense, which is expected to be a flexible scheme that operates out of a base 3-4 alignment. The Saints have otherwise been quiet on the trade market ahead of free agency, which officially begins on Wednesday at the start of the new league year on Wednesday.