The 2026 NFL Draft has seen many trades throughout each round, but the latest centered on a veteran player.
After missing out on a Kayvon Thibodeaux trade earlier during the draft, the New Orleans Saints have made a deal for a former top-10 pick.
New Orleans Saints Make an Interesting Deal for EDGE Tyree Wilson
Back in 2023, the Las Vegas Raiders used the 7th overall pick to select EDGE Tyree Wilson. Out of Texas Tech, Wilson was a high-potential player, and that is what the Raiders were betting on, but he has not come close to that potential.
Wilson was from a former regime, and with Las Vegas entering a new era, the writing was on the wall for his future. Now he is in New Orleans.
After the trade was made, the NFL World had reactions to the news:
Chicago Bears podcaster Harrison Graham wondered if this trade could mean Saints legend Cam Jordan’s return could be off the table: “Bye bye Cam Jordan for the Saints?”
Bye bye Cam Jordan for the Saints? https://t.co/pJAyRmTE2s
— Harrison Graham (@HGrahamNFL) April 25, 2026
NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed that once the Saints missed out on Thibodeaux, Wilson was the player New Orleans pivoted to: “The Saints spoke with the Giants on a potential trade for Kayvon Thibodeaux over the last few weeks, but when NYG held firm on compensation, they moved on to Tyree Wilson, the former first-rounder.”
Saints analyst Chris Rosvoglou compared this trade bet to what the Saints did with Chase Young a few years ago, “Taking a chance on talent. Former No. 7 pick coming to New Orleans. We’ve seen Chase Young get back on track with the Saints. Maybe, just maybe, Wilson will reach his potential in Brandon Staley’s system.”
Taking a chance on talent. Former No. 7 pick coming to New Orleans.
We’ve seen Chase Young get back on track with the Saints. Maybe, just maybe, Wilson will reach his potential in Brandon Staley’s system. https://t.co/gJWYwGL331
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) April 25, 2026
NFL insider Connor Hughes also brought up the Thibodeaux trade, and noted that conversations were not recent, “A DE. The Saints were among the teams poking around Kayvon Thibodeaux. Important to note, which was not discussed in original reporting yesterday: Talks for Kayvon were ~month ago, not recently”.
A DE. The Saints were among the teams poking around Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Important to note, which was not discussed in original reporting yesterday: Talks for Kayvon were ~month ago, not recently https://t.co/4zlFfRDwKW
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) April 25, 2026
NFL writer Mike Clay spoke on this trade from the Raiders perspective, and explained how the new additions at EDGE would knock Wilson out of the rotation, “Maxx Crosby trade being reversed + Kwity Paye signing + Keyron Crawford selection in Round 3 = Too many bodies”.
Giants insider Art Stapleton compares the price of the Wilson trade to what the Giants were asking for Thibodeaux, “Saints trade for a first round edge rusher not named Kayvon Thibodeaux … and a much cheaper price. Giants were not letting Kayvon go for that.”
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This move by the Saints was very interesting. EDGE was a major need for the roster, and although Wilson will not be a guaranteed starter, his potential is a good bet. Also, regarding Jordan returning, it could still be an option if the Saints are unable to get another EDGE in the class.
According to PFSN’s EDGE Impact Metric, Wilson had an impact score of 72.8 last season and ranked 64th at his position. So he might not be able to make an immediate impact, but their defensive coordinator, Staley, could get the best out of him.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.
