The New Orleans Saints are staring down a tough reality: 10 losses in their first 12 games. That’s not just a rough start - it’s a full-blown spiral. And while the playoffs are all but out of reach, there is one potential upside to this kind of season: a premium pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Right now, the Saints are tracking toward a top-three selection - and that kind of draft capital can be a franchise-changer. Whether they use it to inject life into a stagnant offense or bring in a defensive cornerstone, the opportunity is there to land a blue-chip talent who can help turn this thing around.
Saints’ 2026 Draft Picks (as of Week 14)
The Saints’ current draft haul includes several picks, with the possibility of a compensatory selection in the mix. It’s not a treasure chest, but it’s a decent foundation. That said, this team needs more - more picks, more flexibility, and more chances to hit on impact players.
Don’t expect any free-agent compensatory picks for departing players like cornerback Alontae Taylor just yet - those wouldn’t kick in until the 2027 draft. But there is a potential compensatory fourth-rounder on the table, tied to cornerback Isaac Yiadom.
His snap count will be key: he’s played in 19.1% of the Saints’ defensive snaps (140 of 732) and 29.5% of their special teams snaps (87 of 295). If he continues to see the field, that pick could come through.
Trade Possibilities on the Horizon?
If the Saints want to stockpile more picks, they may need to get creative. The trade market is one avenue, and there are a few names on the roster who could draw interest - especially from teams looking for scheme fits or veteran depth.
Right guard Cesar Ruiz, safety Justin Reid, and edge rusher Carl Granderson all fall into that category. None have had standout seasons, but in the right system, their value could rise. For a team like New Orleans, which needs to retool and reallocate resources, moving one or more of those veterans for draft capital makes a lot of sense.
And then there’s the quarterback situation. Derek Carr’s future is murky.
He’s currently retired, but if he decides to return - and that’s a big "if" - there could be teams in the market for a veteran signal-caller by the time March rolls around. Carr’s contract isn’t exactly team-friendly, but if the Saints can find a willing partner, even a late-round pick or two would help the long-term rebuild.
Big Picture
This season hasn’t gone the way the Saints envisioned. But if there’s a silver lining in all this, it’s the chance to reset.
A high draft pick, some savvy trades, and a few calculated risks could put them back on track. It won’t happen overnight, but the pieces are there - now it’s about how they play their hand over the next few months.