The New Orleans Saints have emerged as the most likely landing spot for the most coveted player in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the Tennessee Titans holding the No. 1 overall pick and expected to select Miami quarterback Cam Ward, the Saints are perfectly positioned at No. 9 to make a move for Sanders if he falls .
According to multiple reports, the Saints have been one of the most aggressive teams in evaluating Sanders, with strong ties to the quarterback through their new coaching staff. New Orleans hired Sanders’ former offensive coordinator at Colorado, **Klint Kubiak**, as their head coach, creating a natural connection that could make the Saints an attractive destination for the quarterback widely regarded as the most pro-ready passer in the draft .
### 📈 Why Sanders to New Orleans Makes Sense
Sanders is coming off a historic 2025 season at Colorado, where he threw for 4,134 yards and 41 touchdowns while completing over 72% of his passes, leading the Buffaloes to a College Football Playoff appearance and capturing the Heisman Trophy . His combination of elite accuracy, pocket presence, and leadership has drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Drew Brees and Joe Burrow .
For the Saints, the need for a franchise quarterback is acute. The team has been in quarterback limbo since Drew Brees’ retirement, cycling through veterans like Derek Carr and Spencer Rattler without finding a long-term solution. With Carr expected to be released this offseason, New Orleans has the cap space and draft capital to make a significant move up for Sanders .
### 🏈 The Connection: Klint Kubiak Factor
The Kubiak-Sanders connection cannot be overstated. In their one season together at Colorado in 2024, Kubiak’s offensive system helped Sanders post career-best numbers while showcasing his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions . Sanders has publicly praised Kubiak’s coaching, stating in a recent interview: “Coach Kubiak sees the game differently. He trusts me to make the right reads, and his system is built for a quarterback to succeed” .
This familiarity gives the Saints a significant advantage over other quarterback-needy teams like the New York Giants or Las Vegas Raiders, who would be starting from scratch with Sanders .
### 🎯 How the Saints Can Make It Happen
The Titans are widely expected to select Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick, which would allow Sanders to fall into striking distance for New Orleans . The Saints currently hold the No. 9 selection, but would likely need to trade up to ensure they land their target. Potential trade partners include the New England Patriots at No. 4 or the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 5, both of whom could be willing to move back for additional draft capital .
General Manager Mickey Loomis has never been afraid to make aggressive moves, and with Kubiak now leading the coaching staff, the Saints have both the motivation and the means to secure their quarterback of the future .
### 🌟 What This Means for New Orleans
Landing Shedeur Sanders would instantly transform the Saints’ trajectory. A young, dynamic quarterback paired with a talented roster that includes wide receiver Chris Olave, running back Alvin Kamara, and a solid offensive line could make New Orleans a playoff contender immediately . More importantly, it would provide the franchise with the stability and star power at quarterback they’ve lacked since Brees’ retirement.
For Saints fans, the prospect of drafting Sanders represents hope for a return to relevance in the NFC South. With Kubiak calling plays and Sanders under center, the Saints could finally have the foundation to build a sustained winner in the post-Brees era.
