The Patriots are trading defensive lineman Davon Godchaux to the Saints for a 2026 seventh-round pick, a source confirmed to the Herald.

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The Patriots granted Godchaux permission to seek a trade two weeks ago. Despite starting each of the past four seasons, he was not seen as a scheme fit in coach Mike Vrabel’s new defensive system. The 6-foot-3, 330-pounder often played nose tackle for the Patriots, who will now run a four-down scheme where defensive linemen shoot gaps inside of occupying blockers.

Last season, Godchaux recorded 67 tackles, one QB hit and a pass deflection. He appeared in every game over four years with the team, collecting 250 tackles and 2.5 sacks. The Patriots were unhappy with his leadership last year, including comments he made to the media following losses.

Before the season, the Patriots signed Godchaux to a two-year, $21 million extension, which mirrored an extension he signed in July 2022, barely a year after originally joining the team as a free agent.

Godchaux leaves behind Christian Barmore, Daniel Ekuale, Jeremiah Pharms Jr., Eric Johnson and Jaquelin Roy in the team’s defensive tackle room.

The Patriots now hold nine selections in the 2026 draft, one in each round plus extra selections in the sixth and seventh rounds.