NFL Draft rumor could have Saints making biggest splash of 2026 draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New Orleans Saints own the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the chance to add a premier player on the defensive or offensive side of the ball, they're in a good spot.
But there has been some buzz lately about the Saints trading up. The only question is, how far would such a move up be?
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Saints are rumored to be a team that might swing a high trade-up in the draft, potentially moving as high as No. 3 overall with the Arizona Cardinals.
"Some draft notes, per sources: The high trade-up team many are eyeing is the Saints at No. 8," Schultz posted on Twitter/x.
The Saints swinging a trade-up inside the top-10 of the NFL Draft is not out of the realm of possibility. If they wanted to jump in front of the Washington Commanders for a top wide receiver, the Cleveland Browns would be willing to talk.
But this rumor from Schultz might be an even bigger trade-up during draft night for the Saints. If they do move up very far, which pick and which player could they target?
The Saints might be trying to move up to No. 3 overall to draft the edge rusher the New York Jets don't pick at No. 2 overall.
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In the debate between Arvell Reese and David Bailey, Reese looks to be the favorite at No. 2 overall. Bailey, the Texas Tech edge rusher who had 14.5 sacks this past season, would be a fun pickup for the Saints if they could land the star pass rusher.
But a trade-up might be needed. And with Schultz reporting the Cardinals would "love" to move out of the third overall pick, the Saints will only need to match the Cardinals' asking price.
It won't be cheap, but the Saints and Mickey Loomis might be gearing up for a massive move on draft night.
This rumor is one to monitor for the Saints, as the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft might be a wild one for New Orleans Saints fans.
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