Oct 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Davon Godchaux (92) walks off the field after the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Davon Godchaux (92) walks off the field after the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Jacksonville Jaguars made a series of trades just one day before the November 10 deadline that sent shockwaves across the league. In particular, the trades for safety Jessie Bates III and defensive tackle Jordan Davis turned heads. Meanwhile, the deal the Jags made for nose tackle Davon Godchaux flew a bit under the radar.
Without a doubt, Davis overshadowed Godchaux. On top of that, Godchaux hasn't been nearly as dominant as Davis. Still, the Jags found value in him and believe he can contribute. When you factor in that all they had to give up was a 2028 sixth-round pick, it was a solid deal.
Having said that, a New Orleans Saints analyst is arguing Jags fans to to temper their expectations.
The Jaguars aren't seemingly getting great value for Davon Godchaux
Following the eve of the trade deadline, Black & Teal reached to analyst Darrion Gray, who covers the New Orleans at Who Dat Dish, to find out what the Jags should expect from Davon Godchaux. He says that the veteran defensive tackle has been a disappointment during his stint at the Big Easy, noting that he lacks pass-rush and hasn't left a bit to be desired as a run stuffer.
"Godchaux has disappointed since coming to New Orleans," Gray said. "He already didn't have the pass-rush ceiling, but he also hasn't been the run stuffer that many expected. The one hope for Jacksonville is that, with better surroundings, Godchaux performs better than he did with the Saints."
Godchaux's run defense has most definitely been underwhelming, with his Pro Football Focus giving him a 43.0 grade in that area. To make matters worse, the former LSU Tiger has logged just one total pressure, meaning that he's also struggled to bring the heat. Having said that, there are reasons for optimism.
For starters, it's possible that Godchaux simply isn't a fit in the Bayou and could benefit from a fresh start, which he'll get with the Jags. On top of that, he'll be reunited with defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, who was the linebackers coach when the two were with the Miami Dolphins in 2020.
Granted, Godchaux only suited up for five games in 2020, but Campanile knows what he's capable of doing, having watched him firsthand back at South Beach. If someone knows how to unlock his full potential and get the most of him, it's coach Camp.
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The Jaguars made a low-risk, high reward bet on Davon Godchaux
Davon Godchaux is a free agent after 2026, so this could turn out to be a one-rental in Duval. Heck, his trade cost reflects that reality. Then again, there's a reason the Jags set their sights on him.
Even before the Jags lost DaVon Hamilton for the year, they had been looking for reinforcements at defensive tackle. Arik Armstead has shown out at times but has run hot and cold, while the trio of Ruke Orhorhoro, Matt Dickerson, and Albert Regis has been unremarkable. Furthermore, Ham excelled at stuffing the run but didn't provide much pass-rush juice. Jordan Davis will step in his place, while Godchaux will take on a rotational role.
And that's the thing, not every trade has to be of the blockbuster variety. The Jaguars recognized that they needed a game-wrecker at defensive tackle but also had to bolster their depth at the position. Davon Godchaux can help with the latter.