Following the Patriots' disastrous 2024 season, several easy moves were necessary under the watchful eye of new head coach Mike Vrabel. Besides moving on from quarterback Joe Milton III, there were a few other players deemed tradeable ahead of OTAs and mini-camp, with longtime starting lineman Davon Godchaux.
Since joining the team in 2021, during Bill Belichick's free agency spending spree, he has maintained his status as one of the most consistent and reliable defenders on the team's defensive line. At one point, he was even considered the best on the team.
But he didn't fit the mold of what a Vrabel defense was or would be made into in New England, so that made it easy for the new regime to trade him to the Saints for a 2026 seventh-round pick. That then put them into a position to find a suitable replacement, which is still up for grabs, and might make Godchaux thriving in New Orleans a bit trickier to be excited about.
The Patriots might have decided to move on from Davon Godchaux too soon
Despite being considered on the older end at the position, Godchaux is already making his mark with the Saints and becoming a solid part of their defensive efforts ahead of the 2025 season.
Reporters continue to hype what he's bringing to the defense and admiring his strength, on top of his impressive ability to stop the run, which is exactly what the Patriots utilized him for during his tenure in Foxboro.
The #Saints took things slow today, holding a walkthrough/install practice.
— Meagan Glover (@MeaganGTV) July 30, 2025
They've invested a lot in the trenches - including adding DT Davon Godchaux, a guy who many have harped on his size and strength.
The Plaquemine native says stopping the run is his "bread & butter". pic.twitter.com/1oOi3jPKNm
Although the Patriots look to be in a good spot with their defense this upcoming season, they could begin to miss the veteran leadership and reliability that went with Godchaux to New Orleans. It's clear that Vrabel wants to build a young team that can stick together for many years, which is a solid plan, but it also means there will be some speed bumps until they become a cohesive unit.
Fortunately, they have looked pretty good through training camp so far, and Godchaux's name has not come up as a mistake trade just yet. The hope is that it remains the case and the Patriots are proven to have made the right decision to move on from him, but they won't have confirmation of that until the regular season begins.