The New Orleans Saints are undergoing significant roster and strategic changes during the 2025 NFL season. After starting the season with a 1-7 record, the Saints traded veteran pass rusher Cam Jordan to the Dallas Cowboys, aiming to bolster Dallas's struggling defense, which ranks near the bottom in sacks and expected points allowed. The Cowboys are seeking veteran leadership and pass-rushing help ahead of the trade deadline, with Jordan expected to be a cost-effective rental. Meanwhile, the Saints have shifted their quarterback strategy, turning to rookie Tyler Shough, the 40th overall pick in the 2025 draft, to start in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams. Coach Kellen Moore initially supported Spencer Rattler as the starter but made the switch after Rattler's recent turnovers and poor offensive performance, including a 23-3 loss to Tampa Bay. Shough has been developing behind the scenes, taking limited first-team reps and expressing confidence in his growth. Moore emphasized that the decision to start Shough will be based on who offers the best chance to win each week, with the team evaluating Shough's performance over the remaining nine games. The Saints are also in a position to potentially secure the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with prospects like Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, and Dante Moore looming as potential future quarterbacks. The broader context involves the Saints' poor season, their focus on roster assessment, and the possibility of drafting a franchise quarterback if Shough does not meet expectations. The NFL trade deadline saw other moves, including the Ravens acquiring Dre'Mont Jones and the Dolphins trading Jalen Phillips, indicating a busy period for teams seeking to improve. Looking ahead, the Saints' performance and Shough's development could influence their draft strategy, potentially avoiding an early-round quarterback pick if Shough proves capable. The NFL draft history shows teams often trade down from the top spot to rebuild faster, as seen with the Titans and Rams, and the Saints will consider similar options depending on their final record and Shough's progress.