Saints and Bills Reportedly Eyeing Major Trade Deal

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the New Orleans Saints and the Buffalo Bills are on very different paths — a contrast that could open the door for a potential trade involving veteran safety Tyrann Mathieu. Once one of the most dynamic defensive backs in the league, Mathieu’s impact has diminished with age, yet he remains a reliable presence in the secondary. In 2024, the 33-year-old started all 17 games for New Orleans, recording three interceptions, seven passes defended, and 62 tackles. His Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 60.5 ranked him 66th among 98 qualified safeties, suggesting he’s no longer elite, but still capable.

With the Saints entering a rebuild and the Bills maintaining their status as playoff contenders, a trade seems logical. Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder has proposed that the Saints should entertain offers for Mathieu, suggesting the Buffalo Bills as a prime destination. Holder argues that Buffalo has most of the pieces needed to make a Super Bowl run — except for stability at the safety position. If New Orleans is open to moving the veteran defender, General Manager Brandon Beane should reach out to Saints GM Mickey Loomis.

The Saints, for their part, appear to be leaning into a full-scale rebuild. After years of delaying roster turnover in an attempt to remain competitive post-Drew Brees, the franchise finally seems ready to reset — especially in the wake of quarterback Derek Carr’s retirement. First-year head coach Kellen Moore is expected to focus on developing young talent, and with Mathieu being in the final year of his contract and already into his mid-30s, he doesn’t align with their long-term vision. Rather than let him walk for nothing, the Saints would be wise to trade him now while his value remains intact — even if it only returns a late-round draft pick.

For Buffalo, acquiring Tyrann Mathieu could fill a major gap in their otherwise stacked roster. The current projected starting safeties, Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin, are serviceable but far from ideal. Mathieu’s experience and flexibility — being able to play both strong and free safety — would add much-needed depth and versatility to a defense already built for deep playoff contention. Though he’s not expected to be a game-changer, his presence could significantly upgrade a weak spot without disrupting team chemistry.

Importantly, the cost to acquire him is low — likely no more than a sixth- or seventh-round pick. With little risk and a potential for meaningful upside, a deal for Mathieu makes sense for a Super Bowl-hopeful Bills team — if the Saints are ready to move on.