re: Can we franchise and trade Teddy in the offseason?

Absolutely the Saints could, if they can come up with the cap space. Not sure what that salary assignment would be, but it's one way to lock him down while negotiating a long term contract.

If you plan to deal him, that's a shitty thing to do to Bridgewater, unless you send him to the Pats.

Personally I'd let him hit FA, I don't see him as the heir apparent to Brees. I do think he'll draw some decent offers.