The New Orleans Saints spent the offseason building a deeper group of weapons around second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. Now, with rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson expected to miss approximately two months with the hamstring injury he suffered during a joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars, that depth is being put to the test.
That timeline could keep the No. 8 overall pick out until October and leave New Orleans without a projected starter for the opening stretch of the season. Chris Olave remains the bona fide WR1 in New Orleans, but Devaughn Vele, Bryce Lance, Barion Brown, and the rest of the room might be asked to handle more than initially anticipated. The Saints could trust their young receivers and wait for Tyson to return. They could also add an established option that would give Shough more immediate help. Here are four players New Orleans should consider, ranging from attainable trade targets to a low-cost free agent.
Kayshon Boutte, New England Patriots
If the Saints do make any calls for trade candidates, Boutte should be the first call. The Louisiana native and former LSU standout has been engulfed by trade speculation in New England since the Patriots added A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs to an already deep receiver room.
The 24-year-old is entering the final season of his rookie contract after setting career highs with 33 catches, 551 yards, and six touchdowns in 14 games last year. If he performs at a level the team is satisfied with, he could be more than a short-term rental and earn a contract extension.
New England would have little reason to give Boutte away, especially after a strong training camp, but a future Day 3 pick could at least begin the conversation. Of the available possibilities, he offers the best combination of proven production, age, upside, and local familiarity.
Projected trade compensation: Conditional 2027 fifth-round pick that becomes a fourth based on playing time.
Elijah Moore, Philadelphia Eagles
Moore would give head coach Kellen Moore a different kind of weapon. The Eagles signed him to a one-year contract in March, but Philadelphia's receiver competition also includes DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, and several younger options, including Darius Cooper and Johnny Wilson.
2025 was a disappointing season for Moore, who finished with nine catches for 112 yards in nine games for Buffalo before he finished the year on Denver's practice squad. Still, Moore, the former second-round pick, has 209 career receptions for 2,274 yards and can create separation from the slot or move around the formation.
The Saints should not surrender meaningful draft capital for a player who could become available during final roster cuts. A conditional late-round selection, though, could allow New Orleans to secure him before another receiver-needy team gets involved.
Projected trade compensation: Conditional 2027 sixth-round pick that becomes a fifth if Moore reaches 75% playing time.
Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills
Coleman would be the most ambitious, but also the least attainable, name on this list. The 2024 second-round pick has 67 receptions for 960 yards and eight touchdowns through two seasons. He recorded 38 receptions for 404 yards and four scores in 2025.
At 6-foot-4, Coleman could replace some of the side and contested-catch ability the Saints expected Tyson to provide opposite Olave. Buffalo added DJ Moore this offseason and still has Khalil Shakir. Despite a deep WR room, general manager Brandon Beane said the Bills turned away trade interest in Coleman before the draft.
There is also a new health question after Coleman was diagnosed with a sprained foot/toe in the team's preseason opener vs the Carolina Panthers, according to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe. New Orleans would need medical clarity before making an offer, but Coleman is talented and young enough to justify checking whether Buffalo's stance has changed.
Projected trade compensation: Conditional 2027 fourth-round pick that becomes a third-round pick with specific receiving production. Ideally, Buffalo would return a late-round selection along with Coleman.
Sterling Shepard, free agent
Shepard would be the simplest move because he would not cost the Saints a draft pick. The 33-year-old remains a free agent after catching 39 passes for 371 yards and one touchdown for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season, when he provided reliable depth during a wave of injuries.
He would not replace Tyson's long-term upside or give the offense the same size on the outside. That wouldn't be the expectation, though. Shepard could be an experienced slot option, helping to stabilize a young room and compete for snaps until Tyson is ready to return.
Projected contract: One-year deal worth $2 million with $750,000 guaranteed and incentives that could push the total value closer to $4 million.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 4 wide receivers Saints could target after Jordyn Tyson's injury