The New Orleans Saints currently hold the No. 8 pick in the 1st round of the 2026 NFL Draft and 8 picks overall. There has been a lot of chatter whether they may trade back this year and secure even more picks to help build their roster. However, another rumor has surface, one that has many Saints fans on the edge.
Could the Saints be looking to trade up to the No. 3 spot?
According to few reports, the Saints as well as the Kansas
City Chiefs have been in talks with the Arizona Cardinals about making a move. With such a big jump, this would obviously require the Saints to give up some of their draft stock but how much?
Johnny Venerable with PHNX Sports posted his thoughts yesterday on what a trade between the Cardinals and Saints could look like. Venerable said he thinks the Cardinals would accept the No. 8 from New Orleans as well as picks No. 42 and No. 73. He goes on to say, “I think that’s the preference for these teams. In fact, I know it.”
Giving up two additional picks this year is a lot especially when you have several important needs on your roster to fill. So what player is at the top of the Saints draft board that would garner such a bold move? Texas Tech LB David Bailey and Ohio State LB Arvell Reese are two names that have been mentioned or could it be WR Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love?
Sitting at No. 8, the Saints are already in a great position to land a playmaker without having to give up anything. Both Miami DE Rueben Bain Jr and LSU CB Mansoor Delaune have been repeatedly mocked to New Orleans. Both would bring immediate help to defensive positions with vacancies due to players that have left due to free agency (Alontae Taylor and Cam Jordan, possibly)
Without looking know what the Saints draft board, it is difficult to know what Mickey Loomis and Kellen Moore are thinking, however the overall consensus seems to be that they are looking to go defense in the 1st round.
2026 Saints Draft Picks:
Round 1: 8th overall
Round 2: 42nd overall
Round 3: 73rd overall
Round 4: 132nd overall
Round 4: 136th overall
Round 5: 150th overall
Round 5: 172nd overall
Round 6: 190th overall
Fortunately, we only have to wait two more days to know what they will do and who will be the newest member of the New Orleans Saints as the 2026 NFL Draft starts on Thursday, April 23rd at 7 p.m. CT.
How would you feel if the Saints actually traded up and who do you feel is actually worth the jump up? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
