New NFL Trade Rumors on Browns, Saints, Cardinals Surface Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft Round 1

The trade winds are starting to swirl hours away from the start of the 2026 NFL draft, with at least three teams picking in the top 10 open to moving if the right deal comes along.

Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Cleveland Browns (No. 6 overall), New Orleans Saints (No. 8) and Arizona Cardinals (No. 3) all have some level of desire to trade out of their current spot.

Schultz cited the Saints as the "high trade-up team" opposing clubs are keeping an eye. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero added fuel to that fire, saying on Thursday they are "interested" in moving up.

Some recent mocks have projected trades involving the No. 8 pick, both with teams outside the top 10 looking to make a move and also the Saints exploring opportunities to go up.

History suggests that Saints general manager Mickey Loomis will try to move up. NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah noted in his final mock that New Orleans has made 25 draft trades since 2008, with all of them being to move up.

Jeremiah had the Saints trading with the Cardinals for the No. 3 pick to select Arvell Reese. Arizona comes away with Francis Mauigoa at eight in that scenario.

The Cardinals are fascinating because there is reportedly been a divide within the organization about what to do if they stay at No. 3. Owner Michael Bidwill favors Jeremiyah Love, while general manager Monti Ossenfort prefers whichever one of Reese or David Bailey is available assuming one goes to the New York Jets at No. 2.

Cleveland trading out of the sixth spot would not be a surprise. Firstly, the Browns haven't picked in their original spot in the first round since 2021 when they took Greg Newsome II at 26.

That's due in large part to them not having Day 1 picks from 2022 to '24 due to the Deshaun Watson trade, but last year they moved down three spots in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars to select Mason Graham and pick up an extra first-round selection this year at No. 24.

The Browns have also been connected to some players whose stock may not warrant going as high as No. 6. B/R's NFL scouting department has them projected to take Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano in that spot.

Cleveland hosted Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson, Monroe Freeling and Kadyn Proctor as part of its top 30 visits.

Given how much of a need the Browns have both wide receiver and offensive tackle, they could find a way to nab someone to fill that position early then use their second first-round selection to address the other.

The Dallas Cowboys have been a popular trade-up candidate with their two first-round selections and need for an impact defensive player, but they appear reluctant to give up both selections to move up.

It wouldn't seem impossible to make a move up from 12 to six without adding the No. 20 pick, but the Cowboys not having a second-round pick this year does make things more complicated if they want entice the Browns.

All of this suggests a first round that could potentially get chaotic very soon after the Las Vegas Raiders likely make Fernando Mendoza the No. 1 overall pick.