​We’re not even at the start of training camp yet, so discussing potential trades before or during the season is premature, but it’s still fun to think about possibilities. Last year, the New Orleans Saints jumped on Devonta Veale before the regular season even began, and it paid off. When a need is glaring, bringing in an immediate replacement can be crucial before it becomes a liability in the schedule.
Looking at the Saints’ roster, outside cornerback stands out as an area that could shake out quickly. Kool-Aid McKinstry has the talent to be a CB1, Martin Emerson was recently added, and rookie Quincy Riley had a solid debut season, but anything can change fast. McKinstry and Emerson have shown some consistency concerns, and it’s unclear whether Riley will take the next step. Preseason and training camp will be the time to determine if the Saints should be concerned about their pass defense or if they’re set for 2026. The Saints have shown they won’t hesitate to address a position of need if they can, just as they did with Veale last season.
So, if the Saints do pursue a cornerback in the trade market, one option could come from Veale’s former team. Riley Moss is currently Denver’s CB2, paired with Patrick Surtain II. Despite Surtain’s elite play, Moss remains one of the league’s most-targeted corners, though that hasn’t prevented him from being an effective defender. His primary weakness is penalties, which must be addressed quickly. That trait could make him a trade candidate, but Moss is also entering a contract year with Denver, a team with strong corner depth. At 26, Moss is a high-effort player, a solid tackler, and a potential locker-room leader—a strong fit as a Saints CB2. He represents a compelling short-term and long-term option for New Orleans.
Emerson’s contract is only for one year, and McKinstry will be in a contract year in 2027. The Saints’ long-term plan at cornerback remains unsettled, and Moss could serve as both an immediate answer and a future staple.