The New Orleans Saints are unlikely to engage in a firesale at the NFL trade deadline despite firing Dennis Allen following a seventh successive defeat.

On Sunday in an NFC South showdown, the Carolina Panthers claimed a 23-22 victory over the Saints after running back Chuba Hubbard scored on a 16-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter. Hubbard finished with 72 yards and two touchdowns, while benched quarterback Bryce Young tallied 171 yards along with both a touchdown and an interception.

Following the defeat, the Saints decided to part ways with Allen. The Saints dominated their first two games this season to emerge as an unlikely contender, but seven straight losses led to the end of Allen’s reign.

Allen replaced Sean Payton in 2022 and leaves his post with an 18-25 record. This is the first midseason firing for the Saints since Tom Benson purchased the team in 1985, and the last in-season firing occurred when Dick Nolan was dismissed after an 0-12 start to his third season in 1980.

Before Week 9’s loss to the Panthers, Allen insisted that the team would not sell and steady the ship after numerous injuries led to a six-game losing streak. However, the defeat in Carolina proved to be a loss too far.

While the Saints are in limbo, the team is refusing to pull the trigger on a firesale. The NFC South franchise has reportedly received calls for the likes of cornerback Marshon Lattimore, but New Orleans is reluctant to shop their talent.

Given their 2-7 record, the Saints are expected to receive several calls from teams looking to boost their playoff chances. However, blowing up their roster could be the move to help the franchise heal from salary cap purgatory.

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Several teams have called the Saints about a potential trade for Marshon Lattimore

Several teams have called the Saints about a potential trade for Marshon Lattimore ( 

Image:

AP)

The Saints could unload veterans like star cornerback Lattimore and edge rusher Chase Young to ease the financial burden. Young is on a one-year deal and New Orleans cannot afford to re-sign him anyway, so some level of compensation should be explored.

Meanwhile, Lattimore is perhaps the hottest name potentially available although there are concerns over his hamstring injury. He also has a huge contract, which could be challenging to move on from.

Without a head coach and no long-term answer at quarterback under Derek Carr, the Saints could finally engage in a rebuild. New Orleans mortgaged the future during the final years of the Drew Brees era and continued that strategy even after he retired.

Now, the Saints remain adamant they want to retain their talent. The 2-7 Saints are next in action against their division rival 6-3 Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Nov. 10.