Mickey Loomis has been very selective about when he trades up, and this year could have the perfect moments to do it.
It was not long ago that the New Orleans Saints and GM Mickey Loomis were known for making wild trade-ups that, for the most part, did not really work. These moves really set the Saints' future back, turned fans against Loomis, and put fear in the back of their minds every draft. In more recent years, the Saints have been much more careful with the trade-ups they make and have instead mostly stayed at their selections.
Speaking of those recent trades, when the Saints have made them, it has been really selective. Somehow, the team stayed at 40 last year and selected Tyler Shough, but they could have traded up to secure him, and in 2024, this was the last time the Saints moved up in the draft. The trade in question was for CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, and the picks involved were the Saints sending 45, 168, and 190 to move up four spots to 41. This was a very minimal trade in Saints' standards, and it was great.
Even when things start to change in New Orleans, the Saints and Mickey Loomis must stay unbelievably selective with their trades, and in 2026, there are some opportunities for a trade.
Move Up in the First Round
Starting with the most expensive trade-up and the earliest, there could be a scenario in which the Saints trade up into the first round. Before moving forward, it needs to be stated that there should be zero consideration if any day 1 or 2 picks from 2027 are in the conversation. Those picks are too valuable to give up.
Moving past that, the Saints could move up to around pick 28 by using their second- and third-round picks. This would be a bit of a hit to the draft capital in 2026, but it would also have to happen if the perfect situation arises. First, the Saints would have to draft an EDGE or WR at pick 8. The reason is that those two are the Saints' main needs, and by trading up to the first, they would address whichever of those positions was not selected at 8.
It also depends on the players. If the Saints absolutely love Clemson EDGE T.J. Parker, who was a Senior Bowl participant, or if Indiana WR Omar Cooper, who could be an excellent fit in this WR room, drops a bit, the Saints could strike.
Trade Up From the Third Round To Get a WR
Speaking of the WR position, this trade is another oppurtunity to get one. The Saints need a WR2 added from the draft, but they also do not have to rush the decision with the first two selections. Yes, #42 is the likely pick used on a WR, but what happens if the Saints do not do that and use the first-round pick on a different position?
That would leave the Saints needing to wait until #73 to get a WR, but by then, many of the top day 2 options will likely be off the board. So, moving up to the back of the second to get a guy the Saints really like makes sense instead, and it could be done with a #73, #132, and a future 4th.
Use Two Round 4 Picks To Get a Top 100 Pick
The last trade option is pretty simple. More top 100 selections are always a great thing, and the Saints can use #132 and #134 to move up into the top 100, which would increase their total picks in that range this draft to 4.