Reese is viewed as one of the draft’s premier edge players, with projections placing him inside the top three. He logged 34 solo tackles and 6.5 sacks across 14 games this season, a significant uptick that has evaluators bullish about his upside as a disruptive force off the edge.
Under the proposed plan, the Saints would swap their eighth overall pick along with the 42nd pick in 2026 and a second-rounder in 2027 for Arizona’s selection, enabling them to draft Reese. The move would give New Orleans a chance to pair a high-impact defender with their current talent on the boundary.
The trade would address a clear need on the Saints’ defense for more punch, particularly in pass rush scenarios. Reese’s ability to rush the passer and contribute against the run would add a dynamic dimension to a unit that has been seeking more disruptive playmaking on that side of the ball.
Any potential deal would hinge on how the draft board unfolds at the top. If the Raiders keep Mendoza at No. 1 and the Jets take Reese at No. 2, New Orleans might rethink the feasibility of moving up. Conversely, if the Saints see the exact edge they want sliding a bit further, the trade could become a more appealing option. In any case, it will come down to the board and the Saints’ willingness to pounce when the opportunity presents itself.
