NFL rumors: The Saints threat that forced Chiefs into aggressive draft trade up

The Kansas City Chiefs made one of the biggest surprises in the 2026 NFL Draft when they traded up to No. 6 to select cornerback Mansoor Delane. However, Kansas City’s intel told them a trade up was necessary to acquire their top target.

With the New Orleans Saints looming at No. 8, the Chiefs knew they’d have to make a move. They did what was necessary to jump them and land Delane themselves, via Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

“The Chiefs’ trade-up for LSU corner Mansoor Delane was based on a combination of projections and intuition. Kansas City’s internal draft simulator suggested either Washington (No. 7) or New Orleans (No. 8) or both could be threats to pick Delane,” Fowler wrote. “In fact, Kansas City felt a strong pull that New Orleans’ chances to go corner were at least decent despite the smoke around the Saints taking a receiver, which they ultimately did. Its simulations suggested that Delane would be one of New Orleans’ top three options. Kansas City didn’t want to take a chance, shipping third- and fifth-rounders to Cleveland to move up.”

The Chiefs traded away cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams earlier in the offseason. Jaylen Watson then signed with the Rams in free agency. It was clear Kansas City needed a new leader in their cornerback room.

That’s where Delane comes in. After spending three years at Virginia Tech, he transferred to LSU as a senior. There, the cornerback put up a career-high 11 passes defended, alongside 45 tackles and two interceptions. He was named a Unanimous All-American for his efforts.

The pressure will now be on for Delane to make an immediate impact in Kansas City. But with the Chiefs’ clear willingness to trade up for him, they believe he’s the right man for the job.

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