Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
While the New Orleans Saints won’t be in the market for a rookie quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, one collegiate passers’ decision will have a major impact on New Orleans’ draft options.
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore faces a Wednesday deadline to declare for the NFL Draft. Moore is expected to be one of the first players off the board with both the Las Vegas Raiders (No. 1 overall) and New York Jets (No. 2) both in need of quarterbacks.
The most notable decision we are awaiting: what will Oregon QB Dante Moore, Jr. decide to do? https://t.co/06ZJ1o7nOQ
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 14, 2026
His decision will reshape the Saints’ draft potential.
If Moore declares as expected, his early selection would push talent at non-quarterback positions down to the Saints, who select No. 8 overall.
Should he surprise and return to Eugene, Ore., that would mean one less playmaker falling to the Saints.
Dante Moore is the significant one. He’s probably the only guy we don’t know about that gets drafted ahead of where the Saints are, and thus pushes another player at a position of want or need down to New Orleans. https://t.co/q7z3f5BjDP
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) January 14, 2026
With a cloud of players including edge rushers Reuben Bain Jr., Arvell Reese and David Bailey, wide receivers Jordyn Tyson and Carnell Tate, and running back Jeremiyah Love all varying degrees of possibility for New Orleans, no Moore means crossing fingers that one falls rather than having a selection of big-named options when on the clock.
The good news for New Orleans is that alongside that cloud of players exist some true game-changing potential. Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and USC wideout Makai Lemon could each be year one impact players.
But the more quarterbacks off the board early, the better for the Saints.
