In 2022, the New Orleans Saints used their first-round pick, 19th-overall, on offensive tackle Trevor Penning. Two years later, everyone expects the Saints to use their first-round pick in the 2024 Draft on another offensive tackle. That could mean one of two things. Either Penning hasn’t delivered for the Saints or New Orleans is preparing to replace longtime right tackle Ryan Ramczyk.

Unfortunately, both are true. Through two years, Penning hasn’t been able to establish himself as a starting left tackle in the NFL. As he prepares for year three, there’s a concern of if he’ll be able to make the necessary jump. On the other end of the offensive line, Ryan Ramczyk is dealing with a knee injury that could keep him sidelined. This is why it’s almost a certainty that the Saints will select a tackle.

The question, though, is if New Orleans should select a tackle and trade Trevor Penning. Bill Barnwell proposed the idea in a recent all trades mock draft for ESPN. For the purpose of the exercise, Barnwell had the Saints send Penning, the 14th pick, and the 45th pick to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for the fifth pick. But in reality, New Orleans could send Penning anywhere.

Should Saints trade Trevor Penning?

New Orleans could definitely package Penning to move up or get some additional picks, and the logic of swapping out a young tackle for a younger tackle that you hope is better makes sense. However, it may not be the best idea for the Saints to actually move on from Pennning.

For starters, Penning is still young. He’s only played two years in the NFL. He can still develop into the talented tackle that New Orleans drafted him to be. Beyond that, as previously stated, the Saints have question marks at both tackle positions, and the left guard spot. It’s better to keep as many linemen around as possible. Additionally, there’s no telling how the selected rookie will transition to the NFL.

All in all, it makes the most sense for the New Orleans Saints to draft an offensive tackle and keep Trevor Penning.