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Saints Trade Up to Bolster Offense and Defense
New Orleans moves up to No. 5 in draft to target top WR and CB prospects
Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:18pm
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The New Orleans Saints are looking to take the next step in 2026 after some promising end-of-season performances from quarterback Tyler Shough and the team. To make that leap, the Saints will need to address needs at wide receiver and cornerback. In a trade with the New York Giants, the Saints have moved up from the No. 8 overall pick to No. 5, giving up their third- and fifth-round selections in exchange for the Giants' first-round pick and starting cornerback Deonte Banks.
Why it matters
The Saints have an opportunity to land an elite wide receiver prospect and a top cornerback to pair with their young, promising quarterback. Upgrading at those two positions could be the difference-maker in helping the Saints take the next step and become a serious contender in the NFC.
The details
In the trade, the Saints will send the No. 8 overall pick, a third-round selection (No. 73), and a fifth-round pick (No. 172) to the Giants. In return, the Saints will receive the No. 5 overall pick and starting cornerback Deonte Banks. This move allows the Saints to jump ahead of a couple of teams and secure the top receiver and cornerback prospects on their draft board.
- The trade was completed on April 6, 2026, ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft.
The players
Tyler Shough
The Saints' young, promising starting quarterback who had a strong finish to the 2025 season.
Deonte Banks
A starting cornerback for the New York Giants who the Saints will acquire in the trade.
What they’re saying
“This trade gives us a chance to land two impact players that can help us take the next step as a team. We're excited about the opportunity to add a top-tier receiver and cornerback to our roster.”
— Mickey Loomis, Saints General Manager
What’s next
The Saints will now focus on evaluating the top receiver and cornerback prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, where they will make their selections at No. 5 overall.
The takeaway
By trading up to No. 5, the Saints have positioned themselves to land elite talent at two key positions of need. This aggressive move shows their commitment to building a championship-caliber roster around their young quarterback.
