By Ross Jackson
The trade rumors are already abundant as the 2026 NFL Draft nears, and naturally that means the New Orleans Saints are going to be firmly placed at the center. The Saints’ aggressive reputation in the NFL Draft has brought them successes, like running back Alvin Kamara in 2017 and wide receiver Chris Olave in 2022. But it has also brought up some disappointing results, most notably defensive end Marcus Davenport in 2018.
Other than players, another thing the Saints’ trade history has brought them at this time of year is attention.
This year, trade rumors are swirling around the Arizona Cardinals and their No. 3 overall selection. Reportedly, the Cardinals would like to move down. With that, the identification of possible trade partners is a logical next step.
Naturally, the Saints’ reputation then places them among the assumed teams that “could look to move up” in the draft. However, just because they can, doesn’t mean they should.
While some conversations have been reported between the two entities, the content of those alleged conversations is far more important than the simple idea itself. Technically, a call from Arizona to New Orleans that ends in a lack of agreement or interest is still “a conversation” about the trade.
Standing pat at No. 8 overall would be the best way for the Saints to play this draft. At No. 8, several quality and impactful prospects are likely to still be available. Because the Saints don’t have a glaring need at any starting position worth trading up for at such an early stage of the selection process, they lack the desperation necessary for such a move to make sense.
Obviously, no one can say whether or not New Orleans will or won’t move up. That bridge won’t be crossed until a trade happens or until the draft itself.
Moving up from later rounds for higher-percentage shots at this year’s talent makes a lot of sense. However, doing so in the first round while already in position to have a sizable impact on the franchise’s trajectory is only sensible if the asking price to do so is surprisingly low.
The Saints are in good shape going into Thursday as they prepare for an important draft for the franchise’s new era. Getting too invested too quickly could be costly.
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