2026 NFL draft: Chiefs, Saints eyeing potential trades up in Round 1

The 2026 NFL draft begins at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. Arizona time) on Thursday in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Arizona Cardinals will be on the clock quickly, as they have the third overall pick.

They are believed to be seeking a trade partner to move back. According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, two teams who are in the top 10 are looking to move up and are the most likely trade partners.

Rapoport named the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs, both of whom are looking for an edge rusher. The Saints have the eighth overall pick, while the Chiefs are at No. 9. Kansas City also owns a second first-round selection at No. 29.

Both the Saints and the Chiefs "have been making the most calls for potentially moving up from the back half of the top 10 to the front half of the top 10."

The Chiefs moving up from No. 9 to No. 3 would be "unbelievably expensive," but David Bailey and Arvell Reese are the top pass rushers and one will be on the board at No. 3. They could also target Rueben Bain out of Miami.

The Saints also are looking for a pass rusher, and they have a history of trading up. "(GM) Mickey Loomis has traded up countless times over the last several years," he said.

The Cardinals will be on the clock around 5:30 p.m. Arizona time. We could get news of a trade back around then.

It is going to be exciting.

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