Some positives and glaring negatives, if this deal is done.
The New Orleans Saints finished the 2025 season perfectly (well, besides the Atlanta Falcons game). Tyler Shough looked like a potential franchise QB, Kellen Moore was making strides as an HC, and Brandon Staley made the defense play better than expectations. The Saints did all this and still finished with the 8th pick in the draft, which is an excellent position to be in for 2026. At 8, the Saints are nearly guaranteed to get a game-changer for their roster and upgrade a weaker position.
Usually, when this scenario occurs, there is really no reason to trade up or trade back. For the trade back, the Saints really do not do that, and first-round talent falls off quickly, so throw that idea away. But a trade-up is another story.
With this 2026 draft class being perceived as weaker, it is actually the best time to trade up. The reason is that teams may overvalue 2027 draft capital, and a deal could be done at a lower price than face value. We have already seen teams basically skip focusing on the 2026 draft in trades, and instead, want to get 2027 draft capital. Also, teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars spent free agency focusing on acquiring cheap replacements to get comp picks for 2027. One of the most hyped up draft classes is making people do crazy things.
The reason I bring up a trade for the Saints is that a rumor went viral on social media stating the Saints may be looking to trade up for Ohio State WR Carnell Tate
Adding Tate to this team would be excellent, and he could be the perfect complement to Chris Olave, but this isn't about him; it's about the situation. For a deal with the New York Giants, per the rumor, the Saints would need to send picks 8 and 132 and a 2027 fourth-round pick. This is a good deal, but for the Saints, it really does not make sense.
This team is not ready to make a trade like this. Yes, giving away a future 4th and a 4th in this draft is not the most expensive draft capital to give up, but the Saints' roster has too many issues. The Saints need as many dart throws as possible in the draft, and last year, they showed they can find depth on day 3.
As I mentioned, the Saints are in an excellent position at 8, so there's really no reason to move away from that spot.