Saints in Active Trade Discussions for Third Overall Pick in Blockbuster Draft Move
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the New Orleans Saints have emerged as serious players in trade talks for the third overall pick, currently held by the Arizona Cardinals, in what could be a franchise-altering move up the board .
With the draft set to begin Thursday, April 23rd, at 7 p.m. CT, general manager Mickey Loomis—the longest-tenured active GM in the league—is once again demonstrating his characteristic aggression in pursuit of elite talent . The Saints currently hold the No. 8 pick but have reportedly set their sights much higher.
The Proposed Framework
According to multiple reports, the framework of a potential deal between New Orleans and Arizona is taking shape. Johnny Venerable of PHNX Sports, who has been covering the discussions closely, outlined a specific package he believes would get the deal done.
“They get pick eight from New Orleans. They get pick 42 and they get pick 73. So no 2027 draft capital is exchanged with New Orleans,” Venerable reported, adding emphatically, “I think that’s the preference for these teams. In fact, I know it” .
Under this proposed structure, the Saints would surrender their first-rounder (No. 8), second-rounder (No. 42), and third-rounder (No. 73) to move up five spots to the No. 3 position. The deal notably would not involve any future draft capital, allowing both teams to keep their 2027 picks intact .
According to the standard NFL Trade Value Chart, the Saints would be giving up approximately 2,105 points in value while receiving 2,200 points for the third overall pick—a slight net positive for New Orleans . However, the cost in roster-building terms is significant: if the Saints execute this trade, they would not pick again until No. 132, near the tail end of the fourth round .
The Kansas City Chiefs, who hold the No. 9 pick, have also been in discussions with the Cardinals about moving up, creating a potential bidding war for the coveted spot .
What Are the Saints Targeting?
The consensus among draft analysts is that New Orleans is targeting defensive front-seven help—specifically a dynamic edge rusher who can transform their pass rush. Two names have emerged as the primary targets: Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey and Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese .
Bailey, who recorded 14.5 sacks this past season along with 52 tackles and three forced fumbles, is widely considered one of the most explosive pass-rushing prospects in the class . ESPN’s Bill Barnwell recently proposed a similar trade scenario, writing that “this could be a move up for Bailey” . The Texas Tech product has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s premier edge defenders with his “explosive, quick-twitch athleticism” and “power, length and desire to be a disruptive rush piece,” according to draft analyst Dane Brugler .
However, Reese may be the more likely target. The Ohio State standout is generating buzz as a potential top-three pick, with some analysts ranking him as the best overall prospect in the entire draft. Pro Football Focus ranks Reese as their second overall prospect behind quarterback Fernando Mendoza, while Brugler ranks him first overall .
“Reese has the dynamic talent to play a variety of different linebacker or edge roles at a high level, although his ceiling as a pass rusher is his most valuable asset,” Brugler wrote. “It is hard to find versatile defenders with his caliber of explosive tools” .
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated also sees the Saints as a prime candidate to move up for Reese, noting that the team’s pass-rush need is acute. “The Saints, who pick eighth, have shown a willingness to get aggressive in the past and have a pass-rush need,” Breer wrote .
The Pass-Rush Urgency
The Saints’ interest in moving up for an elite edge rusher makes sense given their current roster situation. Carl Granderson has no guarantees remaining on his contract after 2026, and longtime stalwart Cameron Jordan is a free agent . Beyond Chase Young, the depth at edge rusher is thin .
While Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. and LSU cornerback Mansoor Delaune have been repeatedly mocked to the Saints at No. 8, there is reportedly a significant drop-off in talent between the top pass-rushing prospects and what would be available later . As one analyst noted, “If you’re scared off by Rueben Bain Jr.’s arm length—30 7/8-inch arms—and some are, the drop from Reese to the next rusher might be massive” .
Is This a Wise Move?
The potential trade has sparked debate among Saints observers. While Loomis has never been known for patience—he has traded up early and often throughout his decades of experience—some question whether this is the right year to be so aggressive .
“This team isn’t one player away from ending their five-year playoff drought,” one analysis noted. “Trading their second- and third-round picks to move up is awful rich” .
The Saints have already been active in free agency, signing former Jaguars running back Travis Etienne to a four-year, $52 million deal, guard David Edwards to a four-year contract with $45 million guaranteed, and bringing back linebacker Kaden Elliss on a three-year, $33 million deal . They also added tight end Noah Fant and punter Ryan Wright .
With those veteran additions, the Saints have signaled a “win-now” mentality around second-year quarterback Tyler Shough, who went 5-4 as a starter in 2025 and showed enough promise to enter 2026 as the starter .
But the draft capital cost of moving up to No. 3 would be substantial. In addition to surrendering their second- and third-round picks this year, the Saints would essentially be putting all their eggs in one basket. “Making this trade would mean the Saints don’t pick again until No. 132, near the tail end of Round 4,” one report noted. “That shuts the door on immediate help at wide receiver, defensive tackle, and in the secondary, along with any other area of need” .
Alternative Trade Scenarios
While the Cardinals are the primary focus, the Saints have also been linked to other potential trade-up scenarios. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell proposed a more modest move, suggesting the Saints could trade with the New York Giants to move from No. 8 to No. 5. In that scenario, New Orleans would send their first, third (No. 73), and fifth (No. 172) to the Giants in exchange for the No. 5 pick and cornerback Deonte Banks, a 2023 first-round pick who has struggled in New York .
That deal would allow the Saints to jump two wide receiver-needy teams—the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders—to secure Ohio State wideout Carnell Tate, the top receiver in this class .
However, the buzz around the Saints’ interest in the top three has only intensified as the draft approaches, and the Cardinals appear to be the most likely trade partner .
Other Saints Trade Rumors
The Saints’ trade discussions extend beyond moving up in the draft. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, quarterback Spencer Rattler “could gain interest” on the trade block as teams like the Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers look thin at the position . The Saints have reportedly not been actively shopping Rattler, who provides affordable backup insurance behind Shough, but they could be persuaded if the right offer materializes .
Additionally, longtime Saints running back Alvin Kamara has been named as a potential trade candidate by USA Today’s Jack McKessy. With the Saints signing Etienne and Ty Chandler this offseason, Kamara—who turns 31 in July—could be expendable. The Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants, and Denver Broncos have been mentioned as possible landing spots for the five-time Pro Bowler .
The Clock is Ticking
As of Monday, just two days remain before the draft begins. The Saints hold eight total picks in the 2026 draft, but that number could shrink significantly if Loomis pulls the trigger on a move to No. 3 .
For a franchise that has missed the playoffs for five consecutive seasons, the pressure is mounting. The aggressive free agency spending and the rumored draft aggression suggest that Kellen Moore and Mickey Loomis believe this roster is closer to contention than the recent record indicates.
Whether that belief is justified—and whether Arvell Reese or David Bailey is the missing piece—will be decided when the Saints are officially on the clock Thursday night.
If the trade comes to fruition, New Orleans will have made the kind of blockbuster move that defines franchises. If they stand pat, they’ll hope their target falls to No. 8. Either way, the Saints are positioned to be one of the most fascinating storylines of the 2026 NFL Draft.
