The Seattle Seahawks own the 32nd-overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but that may not be the case for long. The team went all-in on last year’s team, and the results speak for themselves. However, thanks to mid-season trades, the team enters the draft with a measly four picks. While Seattle obviously wouldn’t do anything different last year, you need a consistent influx of young talent to build a sustained winner.
Recently, Seahawks General Manager John Schneider spoke about his desire to trade down from the 32nd-overall pick. It’s rare for an executive to openly discuss a trade down, but in Seattle’s case, everyone already knows that’s what they’re trying to do. While this may not be the most top-heavy draft in recent memory, one of the following three teams could still look to get another first-round pick.
“It’s no secret with us,” Schneider said, via ESPN’s Brady Henderson. “We have four picks, so we’ll be looking to move back.”
Seahawks Looking to Trade Back, 3 Trades Could Happen
New York Jets
The New York Jets own the 33rd-overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, so the Seahawks could effectively get a free draft pick if they trade down with them. The Jets currently need a quarterback and own the second-overall pick. Unfortunately for them, there won’t be a worthy quarterback on the board, assuming the Las Vegas Raiders select Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. However, if Alabama’s Ty Simpson is still around when Seattle is on the clock, the Jets could trade up so they can get him and that valuable fifth-year option.
Arizona Cardinals
Much like the New York Jets, the Arizona Cardinals could use a quarterback and don’t have an easy way to get one. Currently holding the 34th-overall pick, the Seahawks could trade down in the draft and allow the Cardinals to leapfrog New York for a player like Simpson, who has some chance of becoming a franchise quarterback. The only question is whether or not the Seahawks would allow a division rival to get their hands on a potential franchise quarterback. If the Cardinals do trade up with Seattle, they’ll need to significantly outbid the competition.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints will not trade up for a quarterback, as they already have a promising young passer in Louisville’s Tyler Shough. However, Shough’s rookie contract could allow the team to get aggressive in the 2026 NFL Draft. General Manager Mickey Loomis has never shied away from a chasing top-level talent, and the NFC South is wide open. If Loomis believes a star player is available at 32, he won’t hesitate to make a call and get him man. While this means the Seahawks would trade down to the 42nd pick in the NFL Draft, they’d probably get a nice return for such a steep fall.
