Report: Cardinals, Saints discussing expensive 2026 draft trade

Mickey Loomis isn't known for taking a patient approach to the NFL draft. The New Orleans Saints general manager -- the longest-tenured GM active in the league today -- has traded up early and often over his decades of experience, and he could do so again in 2026. One team looking to move down is the Arizona Cardinals, currently scheduled to pick third overall on Thursday night. And one of their beat reporters sees Arizona trading down with the Saints in Round 1. Here's more from Johnny Venerable for PHNX Sports.

"They get pick eight from New Orleans. They get pick 42 and they get pick 73. So no 2027 draft capital is exchanged with New Orleans," Venerable reasoned, adding, "I think that's the preference for these teams. In fact, I know it."

Venerable also said that the Cardinals have discussed a trade down with the Kansas City Chiefs, who pick behind the Saints at No. 9. And both teams have the same targets in mind: pass rushers David Bailey and Arvell Reese. With Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza expected to go first overall (to the Las Vegas Raiders) and Bailey widely predicted to follow him at the second pick (to the New York Jets), that would mean a bidding war is picking up for Reese.

Is it really something the Saints should be getting into? This team isn't one player away from ending their five-year playoffs drought. Trading their second- and third-round picks to move up is awful rich, but you can kind of see the logic behind it if the 2027 draft is expected to be deeper than this one. At the same time, it's a big gamble for them to make with so many vulnerabilities to address at other positions. Making this trade would mean the Saints don't pick again until No. 132, near the tail end of Round 4. That shuts the door on immediate help at wide receiver, defensive tackle, and in the secondary, along with any other area of need. Let's hope it isn't a deal Loomis is committed to seeing through.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Report: Saints, Cardinals discussing blockbuster 2026 NFL Draft trade