Saints named as destination for blockbuster trade for Joe Burrow if 2026 season is a failure
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Saints named as destination for blockbuster trade for Joe Burrow if 2026 season is a failure originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The 2026 New Orleans Saints are approaching this season believing they can compete in thee NFC South and even make the playoffs.
Kellen Moore took over a disastrous situation when he chose to take over as head coach for a Saints team that finished (5-11) in 2024 and had almost no salary cap space to add new talent in 2025. They had to restructure deals in order to field a competitive roster, but with a new head coach and a new quarterback, the Saints started last season with a (1-8) record with Spencer Rattler as their QB for the first half of the year.
Rattler, struggled, so the Saints turned to their rookie, Tyler Shough on Nov. 9. He finishing his rookie NFL season starting in the final nine games, leading all rookie QBs in passing yards per game (216.7), completion percentage (67.6) and wins (five).
The Saints made a few offseason moves like bringing in RB Travis Etienne Jr. on a four-year deal worth $52 million. They also added Ty Chandler as another weapon out of the backfield, while bringing in TE Noah Fant a pass-catching tight end for Shough.
Even more notable, the Saints bolstered their offensive line by signing G David Edwards and OL Dillon Radunz.
Even with the upgrades and a premium draft pick later this week, it’s clear the Saints are still a few pieces of way for competing for a Super Bowl.
NFL Analyst predicts Saints possibly trading for Bengals QB Joe Burrow after 2026
But what if it all goes South, Shough doesn’t work out and the Saints only finish 2026 with a few wins yet again?
Earlier this week, ESPN Insider Adam Schefter stated the importance of this season for Joe Burrow and the Bengals and if they can’t make a significant playoff run, the former first-round QB and Heisman Trophy winner might want to find a new team.
"This is considered to be a hugely significant season for Joe Burrow and his future in Cincinnati. If the Bengals cannot turn it around, some have speculated about whether Burrow might wonder whether he is better off playing in another NFL city,” Shefter said.
So Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton predicts a potential scenario where Burrow ends up as the Saints QB in 2027.
“If Shough regresses or struggles with injuries as he did through his collegiate years,” Moton said. “New Orleans could be open to acquiring a proven franchise quarterback. Yes, Burrow has battled injuries in his career, but the Saints can at least protect him from excessive hits on the field.”
Moton then threw out a massive potential trade idea between the Bengals and Saints.
“If the Saints believe they're a high-level quarterback away from serious contention, don't be surprised if their front office is willing to swap Shough and multiple first-rounders for Burrow.”
This would be the sort of blockbuster move that shook the entire NFL, but let’s wait to see how the 2026 season plays out first.