2026 NFL Draft: 3 surprise trade-up scenarios for New Orleans Saints

Saints trade: No. 8 (Round 1) and No. 42 (Round 2), 548 points

Cardinals trade: No. 3 (Round 1) and No. 104 (Round 4), 547 points

This would be a very balanced trade for both sides, with only a one-point difference on the trade chart. For the Saints, getting back an early fourth-round pick would also be a valuable addition, especially considering the current 59-pick gap between the team’s third- and fourth-round selections. As for the move up for Bailey, the logic is easy to see. The Saints still have a clear need for an edge rusher opposite Chase Young, and Bailey offers the type of upside worth targeting. There is some risk involved, as he remains a relatively raw prospect at the position, but if the coaching staff is comfortable with his developmental curve, his traits would fit defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s system like a glove. But of course, the last thing Saints fans may want to hear is another trade up for an edge rusher from a Texas school.

2. Saints trade up to select Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love

Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love celebrates after scoring against the Syracuse Orange during the first half on Nov. 22 at Notre Dame Stadium.

Saints trade: No. 8 (Round 1) and No. 73 (Round 3), 471 points

Cleveland trade: No. 6 (Round 1) and No. 107 (Round 4), 477 points

This would be a highly unique scenario if it were to unfold, but one that would be difficult for New Orleans to ignore. In this proposed deal, the Cleveland Browns would move down in a third-and-fourth round pick swap, while the Saints would move up to secure a true blue-chip talent. The prize here is Jeremiyah Love, a player widely viewed as one of the top talents in this class with legitimate All-Pro upside. If he were to somehow slip past the New York Giants at No. 5, there would be a strong argument that he becomes a trade-target for a Saints team looking for a true game-changing presence on offense.

3. Saints trade up to select Ohio State WR Carnell Tate

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 29: Carnell Tate #17 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates a touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Saints trade: No. 8 (Round 1) and No. 73 (Round 3), 471 points

Cleveland trade: No. 6 (Round 1) and No. 107 (Round 4), 477 points

The compensation in this scenario would be identical, only this time the target comes at a different position. Carnell Tate is widely viewed as the top wide receiver in this class, especially with the injury concerns surrounding Jordyn Tyson. The Saints have a clear need for a bigger-bodied presence on the perimeter to complement Chris Olave and give Tyler Shough another reliable weapon in the passing game. Tate’s size, ball skills, and ability to win outside would help fill that void immediately while adding long-term upside to the offense. And if New Orleans is going to make an aggressive move for a receiver, what better route to take than dipping back into the Ohio State well that has already paid multiple times already?

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Jeremiyah Love among Saints trade-up targets