Might the New Orleans Saints make a last-minute move to give the offense some insurance at right tackle as Trevor Penning struggles?
Penning, a first-round pick by the team in 2022, got shifted out of a left tackle by first-round rookie Taliese Fuaga and moved to the right edge this summer, where he’s been on bust watch ever since.
Now, onlookers such as Bleacher Report have suggested going to get veteran help that might be able to start right away, such as Billy Turner:
“During the preseason, the Saints held a position battle at right tackle between Trevor Penning and Olisaemeka Udoh. To be honest, neither one is a great option, so it couldn’t hurt to bring in Turner and see if he can be an upgrade.”
For the Saints, it’s probably a matter of whether an available outside player could even pick up the offense quickly enough now. Turner has 70-plus starts to his name, but it might be a wash with Penning, who at least still seems to have some first-round upside to his game.
Then again, there’s this reaction from Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com from New Orleans’ preseason finale that really says it all: “After watching the Saints game tape, I’m not sure how the Saints can feel confident about Trevor Penning as a starter entering the regular season. I counted at least four plays that could have been holding calls that referee Land Clark let slide. Pass pro remains a major issue.”
The other option is Olisaemeka Udoh, but he’s inexperienced on the right edge and hasn’t seen first-team snaps there until very recently.
The Saints have put themselves in a brutal position at right tackle, much like the overall state of things. On paper, they would like to contend with Derek Carr, but it’s obvious the roster might not be good enough—and a Spencer Rattler era might be inevitable.
Penning’s busting status leaves the Saints likely closely watching the waiver wire at final cuts, then making a decision on someone available like Turner.
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