New Orleans Saints trade news: On a picturesque evening in Philadelphia, the 2017 NFL Draft unfolded on the iconic steps of the Museum of Art, setting the stage for a series of decisions that would dramatically alter the course of the NFL. Among the most pivotal moments was a strategic move by the Kansas City Chiefs that would leave the New Orleans Saints and their fans wondering what could have been.
The Search for a Quarterback Prodigy
The draft buzzed with anticipation as teams lined up to pick the stars of tomorrow. While the Cleveland Browns opened the event by selecting Myles Garrett, a defensive powerhouse, the underlying narrative was the hunt for the next great NFL quarterback. Amidst skepticism about the quarterback class of 2017, one name stood out for his raw talent and potential: Patrick Mahomes from Texas Tech.
Sean Payton’s Vision for the New Orleans Saints
Sean Payton, the then-head coach of the New Orleans Saints, had an eye for talent that few could match. His trip to Lubbock, Texas, for a private workout with Patrick Mahomes was more than just due diligence; it was a mission to find the successor to Drew Brees. Payton saw in Patrick Mahomes a generational talent reminiscent of Brett Favre, capable of making plays that defied convention.
“I told [my staff], ‘We’re going right to the plane. We’re not stopping anywhere, no one knows we’re here. That’s our quarterback,'”
Payton recounted, highlighting the urgency and secrecy of their scouting mission.
A Twist of Fate
The Saints, armed with the 11th pick, were poised to make a franchise-altering selection. However, as the draft neared its turn, a sudden move by the Kansas City Chiefs changed everything. Trading up from the 27th to the 10th pick, the Chiefs leapfrogged the Saints, securing Patrick Mahomes as their future leader.
This strategic coup not only showcased the Chiefs’ aggressive approach but also underlined the high stakes of NFL draft strategies. Patrick Mahomes, who would go on to sit behind Alex Smith for a year, was perfectly poised to inherit a potent offense under Andy Reid. The decision marked the beginning of a new era for the Chiefs, propelling them to the forefront of the league.
Former Saints HC @SeanPayton talks about an interesting situation from the 2017 NFL Draft, where the New Orleans Draft Room discussed taking QB Patrick Mahomes at pick No. 11. The Chiefs ended up taking Mahomes at pick No. 10. pic.twitter.com/Eo606bsURV
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 11, 2022
The Aftermath of the New Orleans Saints
While the Saints selected Marshon Lattimore, a formidable talent in his own right, the shadow of what might have been with Mahomes lingered. The potential for a seamless transition from Brees to Patrick Mahomes could have reshaped the Saints’ future and possibly extended Payton’s tenure with the team.
Instead, Payton’s journey took him to Denver, where he now faces the challenge of countering the very talent he once sought to harness. The narrative of Patrick Mahomes’ near-miss with the New Orleans Saints adds a fascinating layer to the rivalry between Payton and the Chiefs, one that will undoubtedly fuel many encounters in the years to come.
Legacy Defined by a Single Pick
The 2017 NFL Draft serves as a reminder of how a single decision can influence the destinies of players, coaches, and franchises. For the Chiefs, it was a masterstroke that brought them a Super Bowl MVP.
For the New Orleans Saints, it was a missed opportunity that might have altered the course of their franchise. As the NFL continues to evolve, the tale of Patrick Mahomes and the draft day heist will remain a pivotal moment in the annals of draft history.
