Four Saints players who could be traded during the 2026 NFL Draft

For most teams, the 2026 NFL Draft is going to be all about adding talent, but some players could be on the move, too. The New Orleans Saints could be sellers. Their decisions in free agency and the salary cap maneuvering that preceded it could signal that departures are on the way -- either picking up where they left off in trade talks last season or reacting to new pickups in the draft. What if the best player available is, say, Miami Hurricanes right tackle Francis Mauigoa, who could start right away at right guard or push Talese Fuaga inside? What if another team misses out on a difference-maker at linebacker and makes an offer for Pete Werner the Saints can't refuse?

Some guys aren't realistic trade targets. Dealing Alvin Kamara before June 1 would cost more in extra dead money than the compensation another team could offer to make up for it. Chris Olave is deep in negotiations on a long-term deal and, even if his name came up in trade talks before, the Saints have shifted gears. But some players could be dealt. Here's a look at four potential trade candidates.

Right guard Cesar Ruiz

Ruiz was at the center of trade talks at last year's deadline but the Saints couldn't get a team to meet their asking price. Tellingly, they opted not to restructure their contract with Ruiz this offseason, choosing to keep his salary cap hits in both 2026 and 2027 at around $14.1 million. Trading Ruiz would only save $12,000 against this year's salary cap, but there wouldn't be any dead money left behind in 2027. The opportunity to move off his contract and get a player better suited to Kellen Moore's scheme at right guard could be worth it. The Saints have done a lot of work on guard prospects so don't be surprised if they draft one to at least develop behind Ruiz this summer.

Linebacker Pete Werner

What does the future have in store for Werner? If the Saints were comfortable leaning on him in the heart of the defense, they wouldn't have signed Kaden Elliss to take the baton from Demario Davis in free agency. Danny Stutsman split reps with Werner last year as a rookie and seems poised to take a larger role in Year 2. If the long-term vision is for Elliss and Stutsman to take the lion's share of snaps, maybe Werner gets moved.

Nose tackle Davon Godchaux

Godchaux didn't quite meet expectations after the Saints made him the first acquisition of Moore's tenure, and because they restructured his contract, more than $2.5 million will be left behind as dead money if they trade him. But $4.5 million could be saved by moving him. Godchaux's contract will void next offseason and he'll turn 32 later this year. Getting a younger, more productive nose tackle could be a good move. The Saints picked up Bryan Bresee's fifth-year option and signed John Ridgeway III to a two-year extension so they do have some guys to lean on.

Free safety Jordan Howden

Howden is entering the final year of his contract without having locked in a starting job, and the 23.7% of snaps he played on defense last season was the lowest of his career. His $3.7 million salary cap hit is a career-high, but just $81,682 would be left on the books if he is traded. The former fifth-round pick might be served well by a fresh start. One team to watch is the Chicago Bears, who have an open spot at safety next to Coby Bryant. Reuniting Howden with Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, the coach who drafted him, could turn his career around.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Four Saints players who could be traded during the 2026 NFL Draft