Saints, Cowboys Eyed for Potential Draft Trade

New Orleans and Dallas could make a bold move to target top prospects at key positions.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:38pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes that abstractly represent a football game or NFL draft scene, conveying the dynamic and unpredictable nature of a potential trade between the Saints and Cowboys.The potential for a bold draft-day trade between the Saints and Cowboys adds intrigue and unpredictability to the 2026 NFL Draft.New Orleans Today

The New Orleans Saints, who hold the 8th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, are considered a team to watch for a potential trade-up scenario. With needs at wide receiver and edge rusher, the Saints have shown a willingness to be aggressive in the past on draft day. Another team that could look to move up is the Dallas Cowboys, giving the two franchises a chance to potentially strike a deal.

Why it matters

The Saints are looking to build around promising young quarterback Tyler Shough, and adding top-tier talent at receiver or on the defensive line could significantly boost their chances of contending in the NFC. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have their own roster holes to fill and may see an opportunity to leapfrog the Saints and secure a coveted prospect.

The details

With the 8th overall pick, the Saints are in a prime position to potentially trade up or down depending on how the board falls. Their needs at wide receiver and edge rusher could make them an attractive trade partner for teams looking to move up. The Cowboys, who have the 11th overall selection, also have the draft capital to potentially package a deal and jump ahead of the Saints.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.

The players

New Orleans Saints

An NFL franchise based in New Orleans, Louisiana that competes in the National Football League's NFC South division.

Dallas Cowboys

An NFL franchise based in Arlington, Texas that competes in the National Football League's NFC East division.

Tyler Shough

The Saints' promising young quarterback who emerged as a potential franchise signal-caller in 2025.

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What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft order will be finalized in the coming weeks, setting the stage for potential trade discussions between teams like the Saints and Cowboys.

The takeaway

With the Saints and Cowboys both in need of impact talent, a bold draft-day trade between the two franchises could shake up the top of the 2026 NFL Draft and significantly alter the trajectory of both teams.