METAIRIE, La. -- The New Orleans Saints have proved they’re willing to trade just about everyone as they aggressively reshape their roster. But there’s a difference between “considering all options” and “actively trying to dump players.” Some players are still vital to the cause going forward.

This is the first in a five-part series attempting to rank the value of players who remain on the current roster.

I’m not going to guarantee anyone is safe -- especially since the Saints still have to shave at least a few million dollars more from their salary cap. In my eyes, there are only four players left from last year’s roster that would still rank as shockers if they get traded. (Then again, Jimmy Graham probably would have been in that category a week ago.)

SHOCKING IF THEY GET TRADED:

QB Drew Brees -- He won’t get traded for the same reason the Saints haven’t demanded he take a pay cut: It would be too hard to replace him. Yes, Brees had a disappointing season in 2014 compared to his usual standards, with too many turnovers. But even at age 36, he should still be a top-five to top-10 quarterback in the NFL for another year or two (or five). The Saints can't be eager to dive into the QB market right now when you look at what's available in free agency and the draft.

Brees' job won't get much easier without Graham and Kenny Stills to throw to. But the Saints appear to be shoring up their offensive line, run game and defense around Brees, all of which could help cut down on his need to force things.

OT Terron Armstead -- The Saints’ third-year left tackle isn’t elite yet, but he’s shown great athleticism and potential to become a Pro Bowler. And he, too, would be hard to replace.

WR Brandin Cooks -- Last year’s first-round draft pick has the potential to be a dynamic playmaker and the kind of matchup nightmare coach Sean Payton loves to exploit. And Cooks may become the centerpiece of New Orleans’ passing game now that Graham is gone.

RB Mark Ingram -- This one’s cheating since the Saints just re-signed Ingram to a four-year, $16 million deal before he became a free agent. But that shows how committed the Saints are to making him part of the future.

CB Brandon Browner, RB C.J. Spiller, C Max Unger (and to a lesser extent, LB Dannell Ellerbe) -- The Saints targeted these four newcomers last week while shipping others out.